An Enemy of the People in Oslo

I am the Vice Mayor for Finance, and a scientist.

I belong to the mothers of four, the political, the ones who don’t focus on the problems, the chemists, the ones who enjoy to work, the impatient, the direct ones, the open and curious ones, the ones who believe in knowledge, the atheists and the ones who stood white bride in a church but I do not belong to the ones avoiding conflicts, the patient ones, the ones who wrap everything up in cotton-wool, the ones wearing Birkenstocks, the ones who join demonstrations or the superstitious ones.

I was born in Oslo but grew up in Moss. I live here because I moved here to study and now my work is in and for the city. I appreciate the combination of the forests and the social life. It feels good to belong to this city. I am quite sure I will live here in ten years time. In thirty years time it looks like we will be more than 800 000 people living here. This means that the borders for this city will have to adjust and change.

I first was introduced to An Enemy of the People through Fjernsynsteatret, and I also saw it many years ago at Nationaltheatre. I know it is about this bath and the decision to close it or not. Regarding the quote “the strongest man alive is the one standing the most alone”, I would say that human beings crave acceptance from each other – so if you choose to turn against this acceptance you really must believe that it this is the truth for you.

I ended up taking a PhD because at the time there were no jobs around for a chemist who specialized in petroleum. As part of my studies I was offered to go to the States, and I really wanted this. But my boyfriend did not want to come with me. I made the decision to leave for Atlanta, Georgia, although I was very worried about my relationship and I guess this was kind of a turningpoint. But it all worked out in the end – we are married today.

For the performances I am walking down Korsvollbakken to Tåsen station and take the tube towards the Nationaltheatre. I enjoy listening to the radio on my phone, but as we pass Majorstua and enter the tunnel the signals disappear and I know that it is time to get ready for getting out at the next stop at Nationaltheatre station.