13 Literature and theater
South Saami has a rich heritage in oral literature of various genres. However, being officially codified as a written language as late as 1978, the literature is much smaller in scope and quantity than e.g. North Saami. A vital part of strengthening the language is therefore to expand and develop the written literature as well. This is not only important tools for teaching and learning the language, but vitally imporant tools for developing, updating the language itself, and to branch out to ever new domains. Conscientious efforts are made by individuals, groups, and authorities to instigate and produce new South Saami literature, either original material or translated into South Saami from other languages. The Saami Parliament and county administrations of Southern Sapmie promote and fund production of such literature. As a result, the libraries are growing each year with both fact and fiction, on paper and online, for children, youth and adults.
A South Saami theater group was established 1985 as an amateur ensemble of South Saami elders from Norway and Sweden. The goal of Åarjelhsaemien Teatere/Sydsamisk Teater was to share and make visible the language and culture of the South Saami, and to present dramatic art of high quality for people both within and outside of Saepmie. In 2008 the theater was divided into a Swedish and a Norwegian part. The Norwegian part is jointly owned by the Saami Parliament, the county of Nordland and Rana municipality.
The Åarjelhsaemien Teatere applies the language in all of their productions. It also seeks to develop the register of the language by exploring the artistic and dramatic potential by using it in all parts of their artistic work. The theater travels all over the Norwegian side of Southern Saepmie, presenting their productions in all the major centres of habitation.
The theater cooperates with professional and amateur artists from other theatres, and from Norwegian and Saami schools. As such it is a node for amateur theater and cultural work for all of Southern Saepmie.
