The Icelandic theater group Vesturport accepted the European Prize for New Theatrical Realities “for its complete work, its innovative character and originality,” at the 14th annual European Theater Awards in St. Petersburg last weekend.

Actor-director Gísli Örn Gardarsson, one of the founders of Vesturport. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

According to RÚV, this is the first time that Icelandic theater artists have been recognized at the European Theater Awards, “one of the most prestigious accolades in theatre,” as described by Will Gompertz of the BBC.

The awards, which took place between April 13 and 17, attracted 600-700 theater professionals, journalists and critics from all around the world, as stated on Vesturport’s website. Five other theater artists were awarded during the ceremony.

Vesturport staged two of its plays at the awards, The Metamorphosis and Faust. Both of these plays are technically complicated, but the performances went smoothly.

Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir sent the Vesturport group a telegram to congratulate them on the recognition, as visir.is reports, stating:

“Your achievement and efficiency is both an honor for Icelandic culture, encouragement for all Icelanders and a remarkable stepping stone for others interested in promoting themselves in creative industries on the international arena.”

It was recently revealed that actor-director Gísli Örn Gardarsson of Vesturport would direct the Christmas play at the Royal Shakespeare Theater in the UK this year, which will feature the legendary Robin Hood.