Jon Refsdal Moe Appointed New Theatre Director at Black Box teater

– The Board of Directors at Black Box teater is very pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Refsdal Moe as Theatre Director for the period 2026–2030.

Chair of the Board, Emnet Kebreab, states: “The appointment of Jon Refsdal Moe was unanimous amongst the board members. Refsdal Moe stood out in a very strong pool of applicants, which included 48 candidates, due to his solid artistic and academic background, clear artistic visions, and deep understanding of the theatre's role. The Board has great faith that Jon Refsdal Moe is the right person to lead Black Box teater in the coming years. Refsdal Moe has a clear direction for how the theatre can strengthen artistic diversity, combined with impressive insight into the field and an ability to see new opportunities for the theatre's continued development. We look forward to collaborating to ensure that the theatre continues to be an important social actor and one of the country's leading venues for national and international performing arts.”

Jon Refsdal Moe (born 1974) is a professor, dramaturg, author, and former theatre director. Moe is a Professor of Dramaturgy at Stockholm University of the Arts, and Professor II of Theatre Studies at the University of Bergen. He served as Theatre Director at Black Box teater from August 2009 to May 2016 and as Dean of the Theatre Academy at Oslo National Academy of the Arts from May 2016 to September 2018.

“I have a great fondness for Black Box teater, and many of the greatest experiences of my life have happened there. The independent performing arts scene has been a part of me ever since my mother dragged us to experimental theatre productions in Oslo and Copenhagen in the early 80s. I believe international performing arts make Oslo a bigger city and Norway a bigger country. As a somewhat lonely foreigner in Stockholm these past few years, I have enormously appreciated visiting the city's theatres and art museums, the concert hall, and the cinema. Even though I have mostly been alone, these experiences have allowed me to feel like part of a larger community. Art can play precisely this role, and I will do my best to contribute to this. I believe it has unlimited value that there are spaces where we can come together and share experiences, and I actually believe this is the foundation for democracy building. This is especially important in a time of increasing polarization, where such shared spaces – which we once took for granted – are increasingly challenged.”
– Jon Refsdal Moe

Jørgen Knudsen will continue as Theatre Director at Black Box teater until the end of his fixed term period in July 2026. Under Knudsen's leadership so far, the theatre has gone through major and exciting changes, including securing a new lease agreement for the next twenty years at Marstrandgata 8, as well as ensuring the premises receive a well-deserved upgrade. Knudsen has established himself as a central voice in the independent performing arts, notably through the book project Scenekunstklassikere (Performing Arts Classics) and his work to strengthen the public conversation about art. His commitment to freedom of expression and artistic diversity also characterizes the programming at the Oslo International Theatre Festival, with international contributions and thematic initiatives.

Jon Refsdal Moe will assume the position of Theatre Director on August 1, 2026.

For interview requests, please contact: Sara Wegge, Head of Marketing and Communications, Black Box teater sara@blackbox.no