'Manifesto 2083,' Play Based Off Norwegian Terrorist Anders Behring Breivik's Writings, In Production In Oslo

A play based on Norwegian terrorist Anders Behring Breivik's manifesto, "2083: A European Declaration of Independence" is in production for its second staging in the city where his attacks started, AFP reports.

Denmark theater Cafe Teatret produced and plans to premiere the play, titled "Manifesto 2083," in August, followed by the second production at the Dramatikken Hus (Drama House) in Oslo.

The play is based off Breivik's manifesto which documents his extremist, far-right ideology and two years of preparation for multiple attacks, including details about the car bomb he planted outside Oslo government buildings killing eight people, and the mass shooting on the island of Utoya killing 69 people on July 22, 2011. Trials for the attacks begin in April.

The controversial play is drawing heavy criticism, similar to the criticism of 2009's "Mein Kampf," based on Adolf Hitler's autobiography. Head of the association of victims of the attack, Trond Henry Blattmann, who lost his son in the attacks, spoke out against the play in an interview with AFP.

"We have nothing against a debate on views on the extreme right. We know that books, films and why not theatre pieces will see the light of day," he said. "But we cannot accept this project's format with a monologue based on Behring Breivik's writings."

Artistic director of Dramatikken Hus argued for the production of the play in the AFP interview.

"We have to have the greatest understanding and greatest respect for what the families of the victims and the survivors are going through," Kai Johnsen said. "But it was not only an attack against a certain number of people, their families and their friends. It was an attack against society as a whole."

Comments

[kejavas]

07:45 AM on 02/26/2012

Soinds like the manifesto is much like hp----all one story, not EVER the other side.

[mkspw]

02:55 AM on 02/26/2012

This play should be a sell out with the left all over the world!

[aicequeen36]

01:36 AM on 02/26/2012

it will be disgusting that anyone would attempt to profit from this tragedy this soon after it occurred.No one has made a movie of 9-11 because it is insensitive and too soon,and it took decades before hollywood created
'Pearl Harbor " and sensationalized it..as well as gained profits ..
'

[moebalot]

01:25 AM on 02/26/2012

The play is based off Breivik's manifesto which documents his extremist, far-left-wing ideology.

[Will Hogan]

12:12 AM on 02/26/2012

The 21st century's "Springtime for Hitler"?

[Ossit]

11:39 PM on 02/25/2012

It's a way to profit off disaster, just like all the films, books, constant reshowing of 9/11 during anniversaries. If you can profit off a book, movie deal, book deal, that's what people do and people eagerly watch. Victims mean nothing, profit does. Victims aren't respected. Taking advantage of a disaster desecrates victims and stirs hate and fear mongering. We've been doing that quite nicely for the last 10 years.

[Autora]

09:46 PM on 02/25/2012

I wonder why Mr. Blattman objects particularly to the 'format,' and the monologue. That it will be very painful for the families of the victims goes without saying, but I wish I knew what specifically he is referring to.

[jotwinowski]

11:40 PM on 02/25/2012

The fact that no opposing view is presented. The fear is that views which are not opposed garner the appearance of truth. We can always hope the audience can deny what they hear but it is ugly.

[Autora]

10:53 AM on 02/26/2012

I see. That is a very good point: if there is only one side presented, it may seem to represent the view of the playwright, theater, and so on-- in short, give the matter gravitas. I can readily imagine that it is very ugly. Perhaps the playwright is hoping to shock the audience with the ugliness of it, as a sort of 'dire warning.'

I can only hope for the sake of Norwegians that it comes off as the rant of a madman. Thank you for the reply.

[Jt John]

09:45 PM on 02/25/2012

This should not be made into a play. No one wants to relive a nightmare.

[ttsgw]

04:45 PM on 02/23/2012

One of the first time a white conservative christian with tea party ideology is called a terrorist.

[zmg88]

05:59 PM on 02/25/2012

Not necessarily. John Wilkes Booth was protestant, and had tea party ideology.

[kejavas]

07:46 AM on 02/26/2012

OK liar, what was that ideology. Tell us , we already know you are wrong.

[tmduke55221]

06:13 PM on 02/25/2012

then you do not read the Washington times. read this story http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/14/federal-agency-warns-of-radicals-on-right/?page=all
and realize that it is not even in the top ten times of someone being called a terrorist.