We succeed together: Sigga-Marja Magga and Heta Haanperä combined science and culture – result is a Sámi opera unlike any other

At first glance, one might think that theater and university have nothing in common. There is one clear common denominator: questions. Sigga-Marja Magga, who heads the Giellagas Institute at the University of Oulu, and Heta Haanperä, director at the Oulu Theatre, encountered these questions already in the first meetings about the script for the Sámi opera Ovllá.

“When we research phenomena related to Sámi languages and culture at the university, we critically consider what and why something has happened, what has resulted from it, and from whose perspective the issue is viewed,” says Magga.

Heta Haanperä goes through the same questions with every new theater production she builds.

“We also dive deep into social themes and phenomena in theater and examine topics from many angles. With the Sámi opera, my first question was how we can present minority culture and language in a way that is done well and from the right starting points,” Haanperä explains.

She wanted to go through the script of the work in detail with Magga.

“In my work, I have learned to read drama, but in the Sámi opera, it was important to also interpret what’s between the lines. That’s why I asked Sigga-Marja a lot of silly questions, because I wanted to find out why a character behaves the way they do.”

The expertise of the working group was also helpful, as the majority of Ovllá’s actors and creators are Sámi.

From university to theater

Thorough groundwork paid off. Ovllá, which had its world premiere at Oulu Theatre on January 16, has been the event of the early year, bringing audiences and theater critics to Finland from the United States, Italy, and Germany.

“We have received a lot of attention both in the domestic media and worldwide. This is certainly also because questions related to the Sámi language and culture have recently been very topical,” Heta Haanperä assesses.

The large-scale production, created in collaboration between Oulu Theatre, the Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš, Oulu Symphony Orchestra and Oulu2026, tells the story of the boarding schools of the 1960s and 70s, where many Sámi children were separated from their families and language.

The work is unique also because Sámi culture and history have been addressed in theatres exceptionally rarely. According to Sigga-Marja Magga, the themes of Ovllá are well suited to the stage, as storytelling is a major part of Sámi culture.

“It was wonderful to see how a magnificent outcome was born from the script and how the joiks blended beautifully with the opera librettos. For me, this project has also brought interesting variety to my daily routine, as I have had a chance to step from university corridors into the world of theatre for a while.”

Trust and shared ground rules

Heta Haanperä describes the cooperation with the University of Oulu as an enormous learning journey.

“I admire the calm and thorough approach by which subjects and phenomena are contextualised at the university. In the academic world, there is no rushing, but rather a slowing down. Such a way of reflecting on perspectives is truly refreshing.”

Sigga-Marja Magga says that the Giellagas Institute often receives collaboration requests, which are considered carefully.

“However, we have a national responsibility for teaching and research into Sámi language and culture, that is our main task.”

Magga and Haanperä agree that mutual trust and respect for each other's work are the best foundations for good collaboration.

“It is advisable to set clear frameworks and rules together right from the start, so that both parties know how work and responsibilities are divided,” Haanperä advises.

According to Magga, a successful result is the best proof of effective cooperation.

“You have earned the trust of the entire Sámi community.”

The Sámi opera Ovllá was presented in Oulu Theatre until 28/02/26. It gained audience of 10 000.

The Achievers:

Sigga-Marja Magga

Work: Director of the Giellagas Institute since 2024. University lecturer in Sámi culture.

Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Sámi culture.

Motto: It doesn't have to be exactly right.

Heta Haanperä

Work: Director at Oulu Theatre.

Education: Master of Theatre Arts.

Motto: Even if I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would plant an apple tree today.