Scandinavian Culture Calendar: November 2022

Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!

Thomas Houseago – WE with Nick Cave & Brad Pitt (until 15 January 2023)
Did you know that Nick Cave and Brad Pitt are besties – and visual artists? Neither did we, but a surprise joint exhibition at Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere provides an opportunity to assess the two men’s skills in ceramic and sculpture, respectively. The works are exhibited as part of a collective of which UK-born Thomas Houseago, who sculpts and paints, is also a member. Undoubtedly the most talked about art event in the Nordics this autumn.

Särkänniemi, Tampere

www.sarahildenintaidemuseo.fi

CircOpera 2.0 (25 November to 7 January 2023)

Combine circus with opera, and add a good dose of modern technology and the world’s first singing avatar. This, and much more, can be experienced on the Finnish National Opera stage over the darkest winter months. If you can’t make it to Helsinki, a performance will be broadcast on the Opera’s website on 20 December.

Helsinginkatu 58, Helsinki

www.oopperabaletti.fi

The Danish Royal Opera House. Photo: Camilla Winter

Brunch and ballet (select dates from 5 November until 23 May 2023)

Even if you don’t know anything about ballet, a professional group’s daily rehearsal at the barre is a fascinating sight. Not many companies offer this level of access to the general public, but at the Danish Royal Opera you can spend a relaxing Saturday morning with a cup of coffee and a pastry in hand, watching the dancers do their thing on stage, with their pirouettes and plies.

August Bournonvilles Passage 8, Copenhagen

www.kglteater.dk

Brunch and ballet is a great way to start your weekend. Photo: Miklos Szabo

Haus-Rucker-Co: Giant Billiard (until 16 April 2023)

Copenhagen is known for its several world-class contemporary art museums, and one of them is ARKEN, located 25 minutes by train from the centre, which is hosting an exhibition by the 1960s collective Haus-Rucker-Co. In Giant Billiard, museum goers (120cm or taller, we should add), become a part of the exhibition as players of the humongous ‘billiard balls’.

Skovvej 100, 2635 Ishøj

www.uk.arken.dk

Giant Billiard at ARKEN. Photo: Frida Gregersen

Meanwhile in Ukraine (until 30 November)

The attack by Russia on Ukraine has prompted a strong reaction from the art world, too. Ukrainian photographer Olena Shovkoplias started to document life in Kyiv mere days after the war began and, in a collaboration by its Ukrainian sister museum, the National Swedish Museums of Military History is now putting up her moving images. Grouped under six themes, they highlight the suffering of ordinary people in conflict. Free entry.

Riddargatan 13, Stockholm

www.sfhm.se

Meanwhile in Ukraine. Photo: Olena Shovkoplias

Films from the South Festival (12 to 20 November)

Films from the South is Oslo’s biggest film festival and aims to expand visitors’ cinematic perspectives beyond western films. One of this year’s films to watch is Korean Broker, whose star Sang Kang-ho won best actor at the Cannes Film Festival in the summer.

Venues around Oslo

www.filmfrasor.no

Meanwhile in Ukraine. Photo: Olena Shovkoplias