In Nordic folklore, Draugen is the ghost of a drowned fisherman — an eerie figure from the sea, feared as a harbinger of death. But what if we’ve misunderstood him?
They say Draugen comes with the storm.
That he rows in half a boat.
That his head is covered in seaweed and kelp.
That he brings warnings of death and misfortune.
That you hear him before you see him.
A gurgling scream. A whispering call.
“Welcome!”
Draugen is a site-specific concert installation in three parts, composed for three immense, reverberant former herring oil tanks at Melbu in Vesterålen in Northern Norway. Each part composed for light, sound and a soloist — on cello, harmonium, and harpsichord. Before the performance, the audience is presented with a video prologue reflecting on the myth of Draugen and the stories we choose to believe.
Through immersive soundscapes and layered visual worlds, Draugen challenges us to reconsider fear, isolation, and the things we turn our backs on — at sea, and within ourselves.
Reviews:
“It was a powerful experience.”
“It felt deeply questioning, as if we were reflecting together. Is it Draugen or is it something within ourselves? I think people are often quick to blame others, and perhaps less willing to look at themselves.”
“I hope they will show this many times. It was very special and moved me.“
2025 Jul 10 – Det var veldig spesielt og det berørte meg, vol.no
“Tickets for the world premiere of Tine Surel Lange’s work Draugen went so fast, that the arrangers had to set up an extra performance!”
2025 Jul 10 – Måtte sette opp ekstrakonsert vol.no
Presented:
2025 July 10 – 18:30 – Norsk Fiskeindustrimuseum, Sommer-Melbu – Melbu, Norway
2025 July 10 – 20:00 – Norsk Fiskeindustrimuseum, Sommer-Melbu – Melbu, Norway
Credits:
Commissioned by: Nordland Akademi for Kunst og Vitenskap
Supported by: Arts and Culture Norway
Premiered at Norsk Fiskeindustrimuseum, during Sommer-Melbu, July 10th 2025
For cello, harmonium, harpsichord, sound, video and lights
45 min
Created for and performed by:
Cello: Synnøve Volden
Harpsichord: Nikolai Endresen Dahl
Harmonium: Tine Surel Lange
Concept, composition, text, filming, and video edit: Tine Surel Lange
Sound recording, mixing, mastering, and technical assistance: Michal Sykora
