the freezer theatre

This is an extraordinary performance where two actors relay two tragic incidents from the area. It is in Icelandic and would benefit from text displayed in other languages for tourists. I was fortunate to have my wife translate the show for me as it went along.It is amazing that with simplistic props they really do take you on board.Really worthwhile.

The theatre is in the same building as the Hostel. Local actor does one of the classic tales of the area in English, crazy characters - very funny. The theatre is very impressive for a small town.

We booked a wonderful two week trip around the Ring Road in Iceland with Nordic Visitor. They had us staying in the tiny little village of Rif in the Snaefellsnes Penninsula for two nights. There is really nothing in this town, save for the guest house above a small grocery store, and a great cafe serving fish soup (Gamla Rif). AND "The Freezer," a hostel-slash-theatre, where they put on plays in both Icelandic and English. During the week in the summer they offer a free "Crash Course" in Icelandic weekdays at 9:30 am - just for half an hour - and it is a really fun way to start your day. I highly recommend it. The guy who runs the course is charming and funny, and you get an Icelandic name, too! You can also pay a little extra for a certificate. We graduated with the skills of "an Icelandic infant." This was one of the many things I loved about Iceland - even in the tiniest of places, culture was thriving, alive and well.

I have had the good fortune of seeing two original plays at this venue, The Freezer Theatre. Both plays, Góðir Hálsar and Truðleikur, were original works and both were a true testament to the much talked about boom in the Icelandic arts and culture scene. What made these plays stand out as a culture experience even more, though, is this unusual location. The Freezer Theatre is an abandoned fish processing plant nestled in the heart of a small fishing village at the foot of the magnificent Snæfellsnesnes glacier. The building and all it’s got to offer provide the perfect outlet and setting for theatrical exploration by the creative crew at the theatre. For example, in Góðir Hálsar, the true story of Iceland’s notorious 16th century serial killer, Axlar-Björn, the play and its cast literally walked the audience on a dark and disturbing journey through the killer’s mind and his story, utilising the murky nooks and crannies of The Freezer itself to great effect. Truðleikur saw the two-man clown cast bursting through the side door of The Freezer in a pick-up truck, scaring the audience half to death initially, only then to leave us in stitches for the rest of the hour. Creativity meets location in spectacular fashion!This summer sees The Freezer putting on Kári Viðarsson’s one-man show Hetja (Hero) in both English and Icelandic respectively. Based on the saga of Barður Snæfellsás, this play has had excellent reviews and deservedly put Kári on the who-to-watch list in Iceland. As this will be my last summer living in Snæfellsnes before relocating to the capital area, I will be sure to go and see it. Maybe I’ll even go twice. Outstanding theatre shows performed in English in a freezing plant at the foot of a glacier is most certainly not something you can find in Reykjavik. I can’t think of a better way to spend my last days in Snæfellsnes.PS The Freezer is only 2 hours’ drive from Reykjavik, which makes it the perfect destination for mixing nature and the arts on a day trip from the capital. I don’t need to tell you the scenery is magnificent. Just look northwest from Reykjavik on a clear day and you’ll see a glimpse of what you’re missing.

Mountains (check), waterfalls (check), elves (not yet but still hoping), whales (check), amazing culture (ch-ch-check it out now funk so brother... CHECK!!!). Everyone knows the nature in Iceland is amazing – and it is even more amazing when you experience it for yourself. Somedays I wouldn't just feel tired from walking, but I would feel tired from seeing and saying WOW all day long. However, actually, a highlight for me was the discovery of the small towns, the local cultures, the people – and within that – in this one town Rif – I discovered this amazing amazing theatre!!! An old fish factory transformed into a local cultural treasure. Telling local stories, but in a really powerful, imaginative and awe-inspiring way!!! It really in a gem – among gems. The Freezer in Rif worth a trip.

К сожалению, в тот вечер, когда мы останавливались в этом городе спектакля не было, зато был показ короткометражного ирландского кино, что тоже очень интересно!