Stories of a Society at the Day Zero

Icelandic sagas are among the few original texts of early medieval literature and are unique artworks of Icelandic culture. In contrast to the traditional sagas of Nordic mythology, Icelandic stories possess no fantastic elements. They describe the beginnings and development of early Icelandic society between 930 and 1030 AD when the first settlers came to the island. They describe the conflicts which ensued as they divided the land among themselves and the endless struggle against the powerful forces of nature. All the stories reflect the social historic reality at "day zero" in Icelandic society.
References to the sagas can be found everywhere in Iceland today, but beyond its shores, they are practically unknown. In order to introduce these sagas to German audiences and demonstrate the potential of free narration for European literary tradition and education, Klaus Sander has invited Icelanders to historic venues to tell their sagas once again. The stories then have been translated, compiled and published as an audio book - a vibrant expression of orally communicated literature. The former director of the Icelandic Saga Museum, Arthur Björgvin Bollason, accompanied his listeners on this voyage as the narrator and translator.

Artistic director and production director: Klaus Sander
Narrator and translator: Arthur Björgvin Bollason (ISL)
Production and recording director: Thomas Böhm

Venues and schedule:
Literaturhaus Stuttgart, Literaturhaus Berlin, Literaturhaus Cologne, Literaturhaus Rostock, Bremen public library in spring 2011; audio book production, nationwide 1 May 2009 - 1 March 2011