The Broadway musical arrives in Lillan
Jakob Höglund, the artistic director of Lilla Teatern and the director of Once, also designs the choreographies for his performances himself.What is the musical Once about?
“Once is a musical based on the movie of the same name. It tells the story of an Irish street musician who repairs vacuum cleaners for a living, but dreams of becoming an artist. He is about to give up his dream when he meets a Czech immigrant woman on the street with a broken vacuum cleaner. The woman hears the man play and then doesn’t let him abandon his guitar and his dream. Through the woman, the man rediscovers faith in his own music and in the love that inspires him to write. Through the couple’s unexpected friendship and collaboration, a strong but complex love story unfolds.”
What do you think the title of the show Once refers to?
“I think it can have several meanings. In the film, one song is called Once, but it has been removed from the stage version. Some say that the name derives from the fairy tale phrase ‘Once upon a time’: once upon a time, there was an Irish man who met a Czech woman.
I think the name refers to the saying ‘Once in a lifetime’. An event or moment that changes your whole life. We have all experienced moments that have been decisive for the direction of our lives. Once is a story about that.”
Once is an ensemble performance. What was the application process like?
“The casting process was exciting and challenging, because in the performance the ensemble forms both the orchestra and acts. Each actor must therefore fit their role, master the character’s instrument and be able to both sing and dance. It took quite a few application rounds to find actors who combine all these skills. But we found the perfect ensemble!”
What makes Once special?
“I believe that we are all touched by the empathetic, selfless actions of the main couple. They want so much good for each other that they forget to worry about their own happiness. It’s sad but also heartbreakingly beautiful.”
What is your implementation of Once like?
“I have a simple concept. On stage there is an orchestra that tells the story only with the help of its instruments. No more is needed. I want to create great moments on stage in simple ways. The performance as a whole is very poetic, and the songs are like love poems. I hope to be able to strengthen this poetry in my direction.”
How does it feel to be the first to direct this award-winning Broadway musical in the Nordic countries?
“Funny! The design language of this musical is unique, intimate. Musicals will be seen more in my time at Lilla Teatern.”
You are also the artistic director of Lilla Teatern. Could you tell us a little about your background and work?
“I graduated from the Theatre Academy in 2003 and have lived in Stockholm since then. For the last ten years, I have worked as a freelance director and choreographer in the Nordic countries. What is special about me is that, in addition to directing, I always choreograph my own performances. I specialise in musicals and musical theatre, but I’m interested in most genres and enjoy exploring new art forms in my performances.
My current job actually consists of three different parts. I’m the artistic director of Lilla Teatern, which means that I design the theatre’s repertoire. And since Lilla Teatern is part of the Helsinki City Theatre, I am also one of the City Theatre’s artistic designers. I also do my own artistic work as a director.”
Lillan turns 80 this year. What are your visions for the coming years?
“My great passion has always been musical theatre and musicals, and I bring this passion with me to Lilla Teatern. Lilla Teatern is an intimate stage with a hall that can accommodate 250 people. We can’t make big musicals here, they are made on big stages. We have to rethink the forms of musicals, and that’s exciting. My dream is that Lilla Teatern will become a stage where new musical theatre can be seen and different forms of musical theatre are tested. In general, I hope to present a surprising repertoire that keeps up with the times and gets people coming together again and breathing, crying and laughing together.”
Text Ida Virkkunen