Ulvaeus Teases a Nordic Mythology-Inspired Musical at Bokmässan
On the third day of Bokmässan, a high-energy conversation on stage brought together Swedish music icon Björn Ulvaeus and journalist Fredrik Wikingsson. The audience peppered the duo with questions, eager for any fresh news about Ulvaeus’s next big project.
“I’ve grown up with your musicals and loved them. Is there a possibility that there could be another?” a fan asked.
Ulvaeus responded with a clear signal of new work in progress. “We’re writing a new musical and we’re doing it with a British author. We’re in full swing. I can say it’s based on Nordic mythology,” he said, indicating a new direction while acknowledging the long arc of his musical theatre career.
Later, Expressen spoke with Ulvaeus after the talk. He clarified that the British author is a woman, though he preferred not to name her publicly. He also revealed that this project is being written without his longtime partner Benny Andersson, marking a distinct turn in his stage-writing journey.
A Storied Track Record
Ulvaeus has a long-standing legacy as a musical theatre writer, earning international fame with shows like “Chess” (1986), “Kristina från Duvemåla” (1995), and the megahit “Mamma Mia!” (1999). Each piece showcases his knack for sweeping narratives and memorable melodies, often built in collaboration with Benny Andersson.
Today, both “Mamma Mia!” and “Chess” continue to captivate audiences worldwide, performing on stages far from their original premieres. The prospect of a Nordic mythology-based musical signals a fresh creative venture for Ulvaeus, inviting audiences to reimagine mythic tales through his signature musical lens.
What Fans Can Expect Next
While a release date, casting, and production venue remain under wraps, Ulvaeus’s revelation has stirred anticipation among theatre fans and ABBA devotees alike. A Nordic mythology setting could offer a rich tapestry of legends, paired with orchestral or folk-inflected scores—a natural extension of Ulvaeus’s affinity for grand, story-driven musicals.
Ulvaeus’s collaboration with a British female author, and his current solo writing duress without Benny Andersson, underscores a new chapter in his illustrious career. This project could broaden the reach of his theatre work while preserving the dramatic core that has defined his most enduring shows.
Production Style and Influences
Given the Nordic mythology framework, listeners might anticipate an ambitious score that blends classical theatre music with contemporary storytelling. The creative team may emphasize mythic character arcs, stage design that evokes ancient landscapes, and modern production techniques to bring legendary scenes to life without sacrificing emotional nuance.
As Ulvaeus continues to explore new collaborations and directions, audiences will be watching closely for updates. The combination of Nordic myth with a British author offers a compelling cross-cultural approach that could yield a fresh, resonant addition to the world of musical theatre.
