Expressen 2023-02-21
By: MATTIS WIKSTRÖM
Six of the actors in the beloved House of Angels have passed away – most recently Rikard Wolff and Sven Wollter.
– We carry such warm memories within us, says Helen Sjöholm when the film classic now becomes a musical.
In the new interpretation, which premieres at the Oscar Theater in Stockholm on September 10, Helen Sjöholm plays the traditional farmer’s wife Rut. Viveka Seldahl, who played the role in the 1992 film, died of cancer nine years later.
– There are many ways to pay tribute. One could be to do this show, says Helen Sjöholm, 52.
What is House of Angels to you?
– Old Sweden, a turning point in some way. I, who was born in the early 70s, saw remnants of the old farming society that now no longer exist. In House of Angels it collides with the new, it’s put on its edge.
Rut captures disgust
She remembers the classic image when Zack (Rikard Wolff) and Fanny (Helena Bergström) arrive in the film’s western Swedish village on a motorcycle.
– And Rut’s scolding. She captures this revulsion and fear when something familiar is threatened, says Helen Sjöholm.
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The music is provided by Fredrik Kempe, 50, who had about ten songs in Melodifestivalen (the Swedish melody festival). The director is Edward af Sillén, 40, known from the Talent jury, the Eurovision song contest and last year’s Så som i himmelen (As it is in heaven), another musical interpretation of a popular Swedish film.
– I want the audience to recognize their House of Angels and love the musical as much as the film, says af Sillén.
The whole set is a tribute
Sven Wollter passed away in 2020 after being affected by covid, Rikard Wolff died in 2017 after a long battle against the disease pulmonary emphysema, Per Oscarsson died in a fire on New Year’s Eve 2010, Ernst Günther in the aftermath of his diabetes in 1999 and Viveka Seldahl thus from cancer in 1992.
– We have talked quite a lot about this, says Edward af Sillén.
– I think that the whole set is a tribute to them, all of them. We try to preserve the heritage.
Colin Nutley, 78, wrote and directed House of Angels.
– We had a fantastic cast with iconic actors, several of whom have now left us, he says.
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I think Rikard would have wanted that
Colin and Rikard Wolff were particularly close.
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In the new interpretation, Wolff’s role of Zack is played by Lindy Larsson, 48, who was in House of Angels – the third time since 2010.
– Lindy has had an obsession with Zack and has lived with that character all her life. I think Rikard would have wanted him to do the role.
(The entire article is not reproduced for copyright reasons)