Vågespel: "We're grateful to be part of the journey."
- Lori Ann Reinhall
- Jun 14
- 13 min read
Updated: Jun 20
Norwegian women of today bring the story Norwegian emigrant women of the past to life for the bicentennial
Since January 2025, as the newly retired editor of The Norwegian American newspaper and president of the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association, I have had the honor of working together with Reidun Horvei and Inger-Kristine Riber as a contributor to Vågespel. This creative podcast with its website tells the stories of the brave Norwegian women who dared to make the long journey from Norway to North America — and does so in a way that vividly brings their stories to life.
The collaboration between our sister-city group and Reidun and Inger-Kristine goes back several years, starting with the 2017 Grieg Gala at Ballard First Lutheran Church. For this Seattle-based production, we put together the Seattle-Bergen String Quartet, composed of four young local professional musicians. Reidun and Inger-Kristine were invited as the featured artists from Norway. The concert filled the church and played to an exuberantly receptive audience, so we know there was more to be done.
The Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association continued to be involved in supporting their performance of Migrasong, a multimedia musical production that tells the story of Norwegian emigration to the United States for the dedication of the new Nordic Museum in Seattle in 2018. A fusion of narration, music, and visual elements, it was a highlight of the opening weekend.
This led to the larger cross-Atlantic collaboration in November that year, with Vintersong, a musical program that tell the story of how the Christmas season was traditionally celebrated in Norway. The concert premiered in Seattle, followed by a concert tour to Bergen and Hordaland County. The production was a smashing success both here and there, so memorable that a video of the concert is still streaming on the Seattle Channel and is broadcast on their local television channel each Christmas Eve.
And the work together is not stopping. The stage production of Vågespel is planned for 2026, with performances in Seattle. Following is an exchange that I recently had with Reidun and Inger-Kristine on the work that is being done on this project now, as the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association looks forward to future collaborations. We — like Reidun and Inger-Kristine — are grateful to be part of the journey.
Vågespel: An exclusive Interview with Reidun Horvei and Inger-Kristine Riber
Lori Ann Reinhall: Beyond the anniversary of 200 years of organized Norwegian emigration to North America, what inspired you to create Vågespel?
Reidun Horvei & Inger-Kristine Riber: Between 2016 and 2019, we worked on and toured with a production called Migrasong, which opened our eyes to the vast ocean of emigrant literature. It was a deeply inspiring project that explored Norwegian emigration to North America through folk songs carried across the sea by the emigrants. We encountered an overwhelming amount of powerful imagery, personal stories, and historical material. That experience planted the seed for a new project connected to the 200th anniversary.
At the same time, we wanted to find a different angle — something less frequently told. Recent research on women’s roles and destinies as emigrants revealed a rich and often overlooked part of this history. The period from 1825 to 1925 is not only marked by mass emigration but also by tremendous shifts in women’s lives, rights, and opportunities.
This led us to ask: What did it mean to be a Norwegian woman emigrating to America during that century? Vågespel grew out of that question — a desire to tell the stories of courage, struggle, and identity through the voices of the women who left, often without looking back.
LAR: Can you say a few words about how you put your team together and what each of you brings to the project? Had you worked together prior to this project?
RH & IKR: The team behind Vågespel is made up of long-term collaborators with a shared passion for interdisciplinary storytelling. Many of us worked together previously on RIT (2020–2022), a large-scale stage production featuring new music composed to the poetry of Olav H. Hauge. That project included live performances, a studio recording, and a book release, and laid the foundation for the strong working relationships we bring into Vågespel.
Each member of the team contributes unique expertise:
Reidun Horvei is a renowned folk singer and performer with deep roots in Norwegian cultural heritage. She has long worked to preserve and share traditional folk music and oral history, which makes the emigrant material a natural part of her repertoire. Reidun is the historical voice in the podcast and brings warmth, authenticity, and deep cultural knowledge to the project. She also holds the position of regional folk musician (fylkesmusikar) in Vestland County.
Ragnhild Gudbrandsen is a highly experienced and acclaimed actor at Den Nationale Scene in Bergen. She contributes powerful interpretive voice work to the podcast, bringing to life the letters and stories of the emigrant women through nuanced, emotional readings.
Inger-Kristine Riber, the project’s composer and producer, co-develops the script together with Reidun and Katherine. Inger-Kristine is also responsible for all technical aspects of the podcast: recording, editing, sound design, mixing, mastering, and digital streaming. Her background in both classical composition and interdisciplinary performance helps shape the overall experience of Vågespel
Katherine Jane Hanson, specialist of Norwegian-American literature, has been an invaluable collaborator throughout the development process. She brings deep insight into language, structure, and narrative voice, and has helped shape the textual material with both sensitivity and precision.
We have also received generous input and proofreading support from Birgit Jaastad, former professor of Norwegian at Augustana College, who brings expertise in language, historical accuracy, and context.
In addition to the core team, we are grateful for the support and partnership of institutions like the Western Norwegian Emigration Center, the Norwegian-American Historical Association, the Pacific Lutheran University Archives, and the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association. They have contributed archival materials, historical insights, and enthusiastic encouragement that have helped shape the project.
LAR: How has the project been funded? Have volunteers been involved?
RH & IKR: The podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Fritt Ord Foundation, a Norwegian institution dedicated to supporting freedom of expression, critical journalism, and projects that foster public discourse. Their support allowed us to dive deep into the historical material, develop the script, and produce a high-quality, immersive audio experience.
As we now move into the stage production of Vågespel, we are fortunate to welcome new partners on board. For example, Sparebanken Vest has committed to supporting our touring production along the west coast of Norway in spring 2026 — an opportunity we are truly excited about.
While the core production team is professional, the project has also benefited from generous contributions of time, knowledge, and enthusiasm from volunteers and partner institutions. Historians, archivists, and local organizations have helped us access material, review content, and strengthen the historical grounding of the work. Their involvement has been invaluable in shaping both the podcast and the upcoming performance:
● Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA), Northfield, Minn.
● Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Wash.
● Lori Ann Reinhall, Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association
● St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
● Vestnorsk Utvandringssenter, MuHo (Vestlandet)
● Norsk Utvandrermuseum, ANNO (Østlandet)
● Vestland fylkeskommune
● Fylkesarkivet i Vestland
In addition to our professional team and institutional partners, this project has been enriched by the contributions of volunteers and engaged listeners. Several of our followers have reached out with letters, photographs, and family stories from their own emigrant ancestors.
These personal contributions have helped us discover new and powerful narratives — many of which may not have been documented otherwise. This kind of grassroots involvement is incredibly meaningful to us, and it reminds us that the history we’re telling is still alive in people’s memories and family archives.
LAR: Where did you gather your source information, and how long did it take you to do it? Was it difficult to make choices?
RH & IKR: We spent a long time navigating through a vast amount of emigrant literature — particularly in the collections of the National Library of Norway, regional archives such as the State Archives and the Vestland County Archives, as well as historical materials found in private collections and local museums. We were especially excited to discover original audio recordings of interviews with Norwegian women who emigrated before 1925 — these are absolute treasures, and hearing their voices gave a whole new dimension to our work.
The Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA) helped us search through their archives, and we also received access to the full archival register at The Norwegian Emigrant Museum (ANNO). St. Olaf College was another important contributor to our research process.
It has been both a rich and demanding task. Many of the letters we studied were never transcribed and were written in beautiful, looping handwriting from a different era, which made them time-consuming to read — but incredibly rewarding. Over time, we developed an eye for the style and gained confidence in interpreting the material.
What helped us in making choices was that we had defined a very specific focus from the beginning: Norwegian women who emigrated between 1825 and 1925. That narrow lens made it easier to filter and prioritize the material we eventually included. Still, it was often difficult to leave certain stories out—there is so much depth, courage, and humanity in these historical voices.
LAR: How have you structured the 10 episodes to tell a story, and what is the main message of this story?
RH & IKR: The aim of the podcast is to give listeners a nuanced picture of the many experiences Norwegian women had as emigrants during the period from 1825 to 1925. Because this is such a vast and complex history, we chose to structure the ten episodes in a loosely chronological way. This allows us to follow the arc of a journey — from the decision to leave, to life in the new country, and finally, to reflection and legacy.
Episodes 1 and 10 serve as framing chapters: they connect the past to the present, highlighting how migration continues to shape lives today. In between, each episode explores a specific theme — such as work, family, loss, community, and identity—through the voices of real women, their letters, and historical accounts.
What’s most important to us is to show that emigration to America was far more than just the golden success stories. It was hundreds of thousands of everyday lives, built through hard work, sacrifice, and extraordinary courage — courage that is almost impossible to imagine from our perspective today. And it was through these routines, this labor, and the preservation of cultural traditions that generation after generation laid the groundwork for the strong ties we still see today between Norway and America.
That, we believe, is the heart of the story: not just where they went, but how they lived — and how their legacy lives on.
There is something deeply moving about being allowed into the life stories of others. The fact that so many of these women left behind letters, diaries, and personal notes means that they can still speak for themselves today. Through this woven tapestry of voices—full of both similarities and striking differences — a larger picture emerges.
It’s a picture that touches you, that stays with you. And perhaps most importantly, it invites us to recognize ourselves in their experiences: the longing, the fear, the resilience, the hope. These emotions are timeless, and in hearing their words, we are reminded that history is never just about the past — it is about people, and it is still alive.
LAR: Of all the portraits of the women presented in the project, is there one that stands out for you?
RH & IKR: Each of the women’s stories is deeply moving in its own way — each with its own facets of courage, struggle, and transformation. It’s hard to choose just one.
Marta Georgiana Larsen, who was on board the Restauration in 1825 and gave birth to a baby girl during the Atlantic crossing, must have had extraordinary courage. Guri Endreson Rosseland showed remarkable strength in enduring the loss of family members during the Sioux Uprising — her resilience is unforgettable. Lina Svåi and Gjertrud Rumohr left behind beautiful and richly detailed descriptions of their lives, full of emotion and reflection.
They all took different paths, made different choices, and faced different circumstances. But together, their voices form a kind of bouquet — each unique, yet part of a shared history. And through that bouquet, we glimpse just a small handful of the countless women who crossed the Atlantic with similar hopes, fears, and destinies.
LAR: Let’s talk about the mechanics of the production. This is your first podcast — did you invest in special equipment for the recording and editing?
RH & IKR: No, we already had all the equipment we needed. One of the great advantages of our setup is that we can build a functional recording studio almost anywhere in the world — as long as there’s not too much noise from the outside or from the neighbors! Being self-sufficient in terms of gear has given us a lot of flexibility and creative freedom throughout the process.
LAR: How was it working with AI for the English version?
RH & IKR: We quickly realized that we wouldn’t have the time or capacity to record the podcast in both Norwegian and English ourselves. Rehearsing and performing the full script in two languages was simply too demanding within our timeframe. That led us to explore alternative solutions that were both budget-friendly and time-efficient.
Using AI voices became a practical choice — and, in the end, a meaningful one. It would have been a real loss not to make this material available to an American audience, who share just as much ownership of this cultural heritage as we do in Norway. The English version ensures that these stories can reach descendants of the emigrants and others who are deeply connected to this history. While AI narration can never fully replace human expression, it allowed us to share these powerful voices across borders and generations.
LAR: Tell us about the background music, how it was selected, created, etc.
RH & IKR: For this production, we used a combination of licensed music and custom sampling to ensure the workflow could move efficiently within our timeframe and budget. Our main priority was to create the right emotional atmosphere — to support and enhance the stories and letters being read.
Each piece of music was carefully selected to reflect the tone and setting of the episode, whether it was a moment of hope, hardship, reflection, or resilience. The soundscape had to feel authentic and never overwhelm the voices; rather, it was there to gently carry the listener through the emotional layers of the narrative.
Even when working with existing material, we approached it with a composer’s sensitivity — editing, shaping, and layering the sounds to align with the rhythm and tone of the storytelling. The result is a musical backdrop that quietly supports the voices of history, helping them resonate with today’s listeners.
LAR: Where are most of your listeners?
RH & IKR: Norway and the United States.
LAR: Do you know if more women than men are listening?
RH & IKR:
English version Norwegian version
90% women 71.2% women
10% men 28.8% men
LAR: What about the age groups of the listeners?
RH & IKR:
Age English version Norwegian version
18-34 0.8 % 4.9%
35-44 20.8 % 11.4%
45-59 16.2 % 41.1%
60+ 62.3 % 42.7%
LAR: Do you feel the podcast is being received well on both sides of the Atlantic?
RH & IKR: Yes, the response has been incredibly moving. We’ve heard from listeners on both sides of the Atlantic—especially those who have taken the time to share their own family stories with us. That kind of engagement means a great deal. It shows that the podcast resonates not only as a historical narrative but as something deeply personal and alive in people’s own family histories.
We’re also beginning to see a ripple effect: several venues already want to book the stage production Vågespel for 2026 as a direct result of the podcast. Listeners who connected with the stories are now inviting us to bring them to life on stage. That kind of response is both humbling and inspiring — and it confirms for us that these stories continue to build bridges across time and place.
LAR: Are the podcast and website being used in educational settings?
RH & IKR: We haven’t actively promoted the podcast and website to educational institutions yet, but we absolutely see the potential. The material touches on important themes such as migration, identity, women's history, and cultural heritage — all of which make it highly relevant for use in schools, universities, and public history programs. We hope that educators and students alike will discover the podcast as a meaningful resource in the future.
LAR: Is there a message for women today, especially immigrant women?
RH & IKR: Based on what we’ve read, learned, and experienced while searching for and following the lives of the women in this project, we’re struck by how many clear parallels exist between the emigrants of 200 years ago and immigrant women today.
What shines through is a profound strength — a deep will to create a better life, not just for oneself, but for one’s family and for future generations. There is also an often-invisible labor involved: the emotional and practical work of keeping a family together, of building something new in a place where you may not know anyone, of creating safety and belonging from scratch.
These stories remind us that the value of community and inclusion is absolutely essential — and that we all have a role to play. Societies, whether in Norway, the United States., or anywhere else, depend on people being willing and able to move, to seek opportunity, to contribute. There is enormous potential in every human being who crosses a border, and we believe that recognizing and supporting that potential is not only humane, but vital for the future we share.
LAR: How long will the website and podcast be available? Do you have future projects in the pipeline?
RH & IKR: The podcast will be available perpetually, and the website will be live for at least two years.
Right now, our next step is to bring Vågespel to the stage — and we’re truly excited about it. We look forward to sharing this powerful part of Norwegian-American history with an even broader audience through live performance, where music, storytelling, and visual elements can come together in a new and moving way.
And who knows: Vågespel may also find its way into book form in the future. This story keeps growing, and we’re grateful to be part of the journey.
LAR: Finally, TUSEN TAKK for a fantastic production!
All images courtesy of Vågespel unless otherwise indicated.
