A BOOK THAT BECAME A PLAY THAT BECAME A BOOK

In the fall of 2024, the play *Guh lejmeh sámieh*/*When We Were Sámi*, based on Mats Jonsson’s graphic novel, premiered at the Västerbotten Theater. In 2025, the play was filmed and broadcast on Swedish Television, and in May 2026, the play was published as a book in Ume Sámi and Swedish.

In this conversation, we hear author Mats Jonsson, Henrik Barruk (who translated the work into Ume Sami), and dramaturg Tora von Platen reflect on the new dimensions that the Ume Sami translation has added to the original work, as well as the challenges that arose in adapting the novel into a bilingual play. The discussion is moderated by actress Malin Vispe, who also appeared in the play.

Participants: Mats Jonsson, Henrik Barruk, Tora von Platen
Moderator: Malin Vispe
Organizers: Västerbottensteatern and Skellefteå City Library