This research project, led by Stefka G. Eriksen & Mats Haraldsen, investigates the value and impact of collective reading aloud, and studies the audience’s ability to pay attention to and immerse themselves in literature, and to experience a sense of belonging with one another and with the reader. The project is based on an experimental study of a staged reading aloud of The Saga of Partalopi by actor Gjertrud L. Jynge. The reading session is part of the Oslo Middelalderfestival, taking place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, 3pm, at Akershus Fortress, Oslo. NB! Meet up at 2.45pm by Besøkssenteret at Akershusfestning.
The Saga of Partalopi is a chivalric romance that was translated from Old French into Old Norse in the first half of the 13th century, probably in the circles surrounding King Haakon IV of Norway. It is a story of passionate love, courtliness and dignity, magic and sorcery, taking the audience on adventurous journeys from Byzantium to the Frankish Empire.
The event will be filmed (for research purposes only), and information about this will be provided both in writing and orally during the event.
Participate in the Research Project:
In connection with the research project, we are looking for volunteers from the audience who are willing to wear eye-tracking glasses and/or participate in an interview afterward. Participants will each receive a free day-ticket to the festival and a gift card worth 300 NOK. If you are interested, please contact the project coordinators Mats Haraldsen and Stefka G. Eriksen for more information.