Weaving Sámi Tradition into the Stage Curtain

The vision for the stage curtain was to weave Sámi tradition knowlegde and spirituality into a modern narrative. Photo: Monica Milch Gebhardt.

When the Sámi National Theatre, Beaivváš, was reimagined, the stage curtain took on a central role in its artistic identity. Designed to merge tradition with contemporary expression, it was brought to life by artist Máret Ánne Sara. Her inspiration came from the intricate textures of reindeer fat membranes, a deeply rooted Sámi symbol. Big Image was part of the journey.

The initial idea was a traditional side-hung curtain, but during the process, a lifting mechanism proved to be the better choice. Photo: Monica Milch Gebhardt.

In Sámi culture, art, tradition, and craftsmanship are deeply intertwined. Pride in the Sámi heritage is a fundamental part of the Sámi identity, something that was meant to be reflected in the new Čoarvemátta building in Kautokeino. This space would house both the Sámi National Theatre, Beaivváš, and the Sámi High School and Reindeer Husbandry School under one roof. The theater stage became the heart of the building, a place where art and learning could meet. The unifying theme was the reindeer.

A Curtain that Embodies Sami Heritage and Culture

Curator Monica Milch Gebhardt from KORO (Art in Public Space, Norway) led the art project. Early on, KORO identified the stage curtain as an essential part of the building’s artistic expression and an opportunity to honor Sámi craftsmanship. At the same time, it needed to meet requirements for functionality and versatility.

Since the theater is relatively small, the curtain could not take up too much space. It also needed to be light-blocking and capable of being illuminated in different ways to create varied expressions. Creating art in the form of a stage curtain was a new experience for them, and they needed someone who could provide both technical and artistic expertise. That’s when they turned to Big Image, says Monica Milch Gebhardt:

The curtain became a true statement - it’s impossible to overlook, and it’s a key part of the experience when you’re there. Big Image delivered on all fronts, demonstrating great expertise and serving as a reliable advisor throughout the process.

The building got its name, Čoarvemátta, from the innermost part of the reindeer antler, known as the burr. This is the part of the antler which symbolises strength and represents how two elements can be bonded into one. Photo: Lars Petter Pettersen, Snøhetta/ Statsbygg.

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The Reindeer Carries the Story

Reindeer husbandry is one of the most central aspects of Sámi culture, a tradition that stretches far back in time. The Sami have relied on the reindeer for food, warmth, and materials for everything from everyday objects to art and jewellery.

The reindeer also plays a central role in Máret Ánne Sara’s work, which she chose to name Gapmu - the Sámi word for “gut feeling.” Having grown up in a reindeer-herding family in Kautokeino, she is an established artist known for her political engagement and distinctive style. Her inspiration came from the fat membrane of a reindeer. Through digital processing, the pattern was enlarged, and within the image, one can discern the contours of a spiritual figure from Sami mythology.

Monica Milch Gebhardt describes the piece as an embodiment of the curtain, a tribute to Sámi knowledge and the deeply rooted relationship between humans and nature.

Material Choices and Technical Challenges

While the initial idea was a traditional side-hung curtain, the process led to a shift toward a lifting mechanism for greater flexibility. Big Image developed sketches, built prototypes, and tested various materials before deciding on cotton. A trusted material in theater, cotton offered a natural drape that enhanced the curtain’s movement while also allowing it to be printed in a single, seamless piece

During an on-site visit, the artist felt something was missing. To add more depth to the design, she incorporated fringes into the artwork, which she then sewed by hand—an homage to the duodji tradition, the Sámi word for artistic craftsmanship.

The visit proved crucial - not just for finalizing the design, but for ensuring the artwork truly resonated with the soul of the space and its cultural heritage. It allowed for testing the curtain’s lighting and making the last color adjustments to achieve the right feeling and ensure the piece was harmonized with the building. The final result is more than just a curtain - it is a living tribute to Sámi tradition, carrying the weight of history, craftsmanship, and cultural identity onto the stage.

Big Image developed sketches and prototypes and tested various materials during the process.

To add more depth to the design, fringes were incorporated into the artwork, which were then sewed by hand as an homage to the Sámi duodji tradition.