Empty Deck, the London based, female-led and internationally focused theatre company, has announced two unique performances in Cardiff to launch Season Scandinavian, a programme of the most exciting and contemporary plays coming out of the Nordic countries.

Following on the success of the Scandinavian film Noir which spawned hits The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and TV Dramas The Bridge and The Killing, Empty Deck have responded with the UK’s first performances from leading Norwegian and Danish playwrights. The Sherman Cymru Theatre, known for its programme of established classic writing, will host a rehearsed reading of Ibsen Award winning playwright Fredrik Brattberg’s Winterreise on Saturday, October 24 to compliment their current production of A Doll’s House.

Brattberg’s encompassing range of work has included orchestral and choral compositions as well as productions at Norway’s National Theatre, and the thought provoking Winterreise continues to challenge convention as it explores what might be missing in us as mothers and fathers.

This will be followed by a week of research and development at The Other Room, Cardiff’s new bold pub theatre, culminating in a scratch performance of Christian Lollikes ‘Cosmic Fear or the Day Brad Pitt Got Paranoia’.

Lollike’s broad and creative style has led to work in an array of settings, from opera to art installation, all demonstrating an innate social conscious and aesthetic understanding.

Cosmic Fear explores our growing concerns and paralysis over the impact of climate change on the planet.

Empty Deck’s innovative interpretations of these plays will offer audiences a unique insight into this exciting genre, and two of its most acclaimed writers.

The intimate atmosphere of both theatres ensure a truly immersive experience, and the stimulating narrative will translate into a new perspective on social and cultural themes relevant to both Scandinavia and Britain.

Kay Michael, Director Empty Deck, commented: “Cross cultural and theatrical exchange is at the heart of what Empty Deck believes in. We wanted to highlight the exciting work coming out of Scandinavia and provide a platform for these talented playwrights to showcase their work here in the UK.”

Following the huge success of Nordic Noir Film and TV productions and in keeping with Empty Deck’s commitment to cross cultural production, these collaborations will launch in Cardiff before a UK wide tour scheduled for 2016.