Reynir never to 'explain away' the violence

A review highlights the enduring power of Benedikt Erlingsson's one-man performance, "Mr. Skallagrímsson," praising his "relaxed technique of storytelling" that has remained potent despite his absence from stage projects. The piece is lauded for its ability to draw the audience in, eliciting laughter and holding their attention throughout.

According to the review, the essence of the experience lies in the storyteller's "magic." The performer, it is said, has the audience in the palm of his hand, keeping them engaged with the narrative. The review notes that the audience experiences a range of emotions, from amusement to deep engagement, as the storyteller artfully delays the narrative with digressions, creating a dynamic performance.

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relaxed technique of storytelling that Benedikt [Erlingsson] has kept with him despite a long absence from projects beyond the edge of the stage.

These observations echo the sentiments of the late María Kristjánsdóttir, who reviewed the play's premiere over twenty years ago. Her assessment of the performance as "sharp, lightning-fast – and effortless" seems to capture the core of the experience, suggesting that the ancient story is woven anew from the present moment.

The play is now being restaged to mark its 20th anniversary, offering a chance to revisit the work that garnered such strong critical acclaim. The current production aims to capture the same spirit and captivating quality that defined its initial run, allowing a new generation of audiences to experience Erlingsson's unique storytelling.

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what remains is the magic of the storyteller. He has us, the audience, in his hand; keeps us with the narrative, we writhe with laughter, catch our breath, admire him; rests us by delaying the narrative with digressions. Sharp, lightning-fast – and effortless – he seems, when all is said and done, to have spun forward or invented this ancient story from our presence, our existence.