Sámi jokes and innovative performances at Riddu

There will be both humor and a sense of seriousness at Riddu Riđđu Festivála this summer. Stand-up success Reaškkas returns and there will be a premiere of a commissioned artistic performance where Mayan culture and Sámi culture meet. The annual Nordlys-seminar will focus on hate speech against the Sámi people.

Riddu Riđđu is an international Indigenous festival with a wide program catering to people of all ages. The festival is held 13-17. July in Kåfjord.

Innovative performance
What happens when two of Sápmi's top yoikers meet an award-winning street dancer from Guatemala? The commissioned work "Hyl i hælen" is a performance where stories about the past and present are woven together with yoik and dance. The artists draw threads between Sámi and Mayan culture. Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska and Risten Anine are known from the group OZAS. Carlos Catun aka Bboy Gatoty is a hip hop dancer from Guatemala, and has previously appeared in Vidas Extremas, a play that was awarded the Hedda Prize.

Sámi stand-up
Reaškkas returns to its roots. Ánte Siri, Isalill Kolpus, Ánne Márjá Guttorm Graven and Åse Kathrin Vuolab is here to deliver Sámi jokes. Reaškkas had its premier at last year's Riddu Riđđu, and has since been in Tromsø, Kautokeino, Lakselv and Alta. The verdict is unequivocal: the people want more Sámi humor! Reaškkas appears twice on Riddu Riđđu this year - Friday and Saturday in the Culture Hall.

Exciting seminars
Hate speech against the Sámi is an increasing issue in our society. On May 17th in Bodø, a young boy was harassed by adults for wearing gáhkti - traditional Sámi clothing. In Tromsø, two young Sámi women were recently sexually harassed. A survey shows that two out of five young Sámi people experience discrimination and harassment multiple times a year. This year's Nordlys seminar will discuss how society should approach the increasing issue of hate speech against the Sámi, so that children and young people are not left alone.

Other treats from the seminar program are the UIT seminar, which will focus on the Sámi teacher crisis. There will also be a seminar on the way forward for Sámi art after the Venice Biennale, as well as a conversation with Young Artist of the Year Márjá Karlsen.

Last festival for West
This year's Riddu Riđđu is the last for festival director Sandra Márjá West. Her successor Sajje Solbakk will follow West during this year's festival, and take over the artistic management on September 1st.

Big names including Angelique Kidjo, Lido Pimienta, ISÁK and The Halluci Nation (formerly known as A Tribe Called Red) have already been announced for this year's festival. The full program can be found HERE.