One of Norway’s most popular books this year, Tante Ulrikkes vei, is due to debut on the stage of Det Norske Teatret in June. Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK), however, has backed out of plans to also turn it into a TV series written and directed by Oscar-hopeful Iram Haq.
Newspaper Dagsavisen reported that Det Norske Teatret is mounting a live theater version of the book, which tells the story of immigrants’ children growing up on Oslo’s east side. “This is a play that I think will bring people into the theater, to hear the strong story of two young boys growing in Groruddalen,” said theater chief Erik Ullsby.
NRK had also also expressed interest in creating a TV series based on the book, to be produced by the Rubicon firm that’s been behind other successful Norwegian series and directed by Haq. Newspaper Aftenposten reported on Thursday, however, that NRK had dropped out of the project.
“We have many other projects we’re evaluating in various genre,” NRK’s drama chief Ivar Køhn told Aftenposten. “We have chosen against developing this series now.” He declined to elaborate.
The Norwegian Film Institute has already backed development of a script and Haq isn’t giving up. She’s still working on the project along with screenwriter Hilde Hagerup. Author Zeshan Shaka, who wrote the book that’s become a bestseller in Norway, has the role of consultant on the TV series project.
newsinenglish.no staff
