Gambämark
In 2018, the residents of the small village of Gambämark had had enough. They agreed that everything was better in the old days and came to the only reasonable conclusion – to build a wall around the village and declare independence.
Fifteen years later, the conservative society behind the wall is thriving, where the charismatic leader Kurt has realized his Ostrobothnian utopia. It’s a paradise of daily communal work, dances at the pavilion, and year-round moose hunting.
#KAJWASHERE #WASATEATER
About the Show
Gambämark was KAJ’s first musical at Wasa Teater, premiering in 2018. The idea was born when the group joked about a fictional village, inspired by place names in Ostrobothnia. Gambämark became a place longing for the past, far removed from modernity.
The story centers on the village that has declared independence and built a wall against the outside world. We follow village leader Kurt Byman (Axel Åhman) and his son Josua (Jakob Norrgård), who dreams of the world beyond. The musical blended love for local traditions with humor and social satire.
Due to renovations at the theatre, the musical was performed at Ritz, with a set design reflecting the village’s conservative ideals – including a throne made of hay poles.
#TIP You’re welcome to try out the throne of power and see how well you’d fit as leader of the free, democratic, sovereign, and municipally governed village republic of Gambämark. You can also try on the wig, made from the wool of genuine Gambämark sheep.
Synopsis
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Act 1
- The village of Gambämark in Ostrobothnia declares independence and sets out to create the perfect society.
- Fifteen years later, the villagers live happy lives under the leadership of Kurt Byman.
- Kurt and his son Josua explore the village’s economy, which is based on berries. Picking berries without prior negotiation is strictly forbidden!
- Josua befriends the village oddball, Mäskis-Gunnar – a friendship that leads to Gunnar’s exile.
- Feeling guilty, Josua seeks comfort from the villagers.
- The local sewing circle is revealed to be a military junta with a mission to overthrow Kurt – and Josua joins their cause.
- Kurt holds daily briefing meetings where villagers report on their productivity.
- Josua begins to wonder what life is like beyond the village walls and hears stories from Mäskis-Gunnar.
- Eventually, Josua finds his purpose in life and becomes part of the junta’s plan to overthrow Kurt.
- The village of Gambämark in Ostrobothnia declares independence and sets out to create the perfect society.
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Act 2
- Josua builds the ultimate berry-picking machine and strips the entire forest of berries, which sends Kurt into a rage. To make matters worse, no one shows up for the communal talko.
- The junta plans its next move. Josua suggests robbing the central freezer, while Berit prefers to keep a low profile.
- Kurt questions the villagers about what’s going on, but they all avoid him. Gambämark’s top hunters, Klas and Kenneth, confess their feelings for each other – and accidentally kill the last moose cow, Gunilla.
- Berit holds a memorial for Gunilla and tries to comfort Josua, but he decides to go ahead with the freezer heist on his own.
- Josua attempts to rob the central freezer, but Berit warns him it’s a trap. Kurt arrives and is furious when he witnesses the betrayal.
- Kurt grows increasingly power-hungry and forces the villagers to work for him. Josua begins drinking and has a vision of Mäskis-Gandalf.
- Berit is imprisoned, and Kurt visits her. She points out that the entire village – including Josua – has turned against him.
- Klas and Kenneth question Kurt’s authority, and Kenneth chooses Klas over Kurt and Gambämark.
- Josua reveals that Kurt has broken his own laws and takes over leadership. Kurt realizes his mistakes and repents. Mäskis-Gunnar returns and reminds everyone that we’re all village fools in our own way. Shut up now – let’s dance.
- Josua builds the ultimate berry-picking machine and strips the entire forest of berries, which sends Kurt into a rage. To make matters worse, no one shows up for the communal talko.
What Can You Do in Gambämark?
There’s plenty to see and experience in Gambämark. Here are a few tips:
📸 Take a photo with Rebel-Josua and the ultimate berry-picking machines
👑 Try on Kurt Byman’s wig and take a seat on the throne of power
🕺 Learn Mäskis-Gunnar’s signature dance moves
🧵 Peek inside the sewing circle – and join the rebellion, if you can crack the code
Bäriking
Gambämark was, of course, full of wild ideas in true KAJ fashion. One of the highlights was Josua’s (Jakob Norrgård) ultimate berry-picking machine, which opened Act Two to the audience’s delight. In Gambämark, using berry pickers was strictly forbidden – all berries had to be picked by hand. As part of the rebellion, Josua built motorized berry-pickers and cleared the entire forest of berries. These machines were designed and built right here at the theatre – they could spin, lights flashing, and were featured during the musical number Bäriking.
Everyone who saw Gambämark remembers Gunilla – the village’s sacred moose cow. KAJ were eager to include a full-sized moose on stage, but there simply wasn’t enough space, so they had to settle for a head and one leg.
Dräkterna och juntan
In theatre, planning ahead is key – many costumes are made well in advance. While working on Gambämark, the need for quick changes led to creative costume solutions – including sewing multiple garments into a single outfit. One example is the shawl and vest combo, which can easily be flipped inside out.
#TIP Check out the behind-the-scenes video for a glimpse of the backstage magic during a performance.
The villagers of Gambämark even got their own folk costume fabric, inspired by the traditional men’s outfit from Oravais – but with a twist. The ribbons were sewn on instead of woven, naturally in the bright green color associated with the group.
The sewing circle, which originally embroidered and baked for the men, transformed into a military junta secretly plotting revolution.
#TIP Don’t miss their “knitting patterns.” (Only in Swedish)
"Hald käftan
“Shut Up, Let’s Dance”
Mäskis-Gunnar, played by Kevin Holmström, was a colorful and unforgettable character in the musical – and quickly became a fan favorite. In the story, he was the village eccentric, a man who lived by his own rules and values. But he also played a key role in the village’s transformation. He dared to be different and showed the importance of questioning established norms. His character added both humor and depth to the story, along with some memorable quotes like “Shut up, let’s dance” and “Even a slow hare changes its fur in the fall.”
Mäskis-Gunnar also had a very distinct style, as you can see. He was surrounded by animals – both living and stuffed – and was rarely seen without his squirrel, Rafael. He had his own custom vehicle too, built from a small electric moped and designed to be driven around on stage.
He was also known for his homemade moonshine still and his signature disco moves.
#TIP If you’re keen to learn a few of his dance steps, check out the videos on the screen nearby.
The play's creative team
