JUULUUNGUAQ – THE GREENLANDIC POLAR EXPLORER

A powerful tale of the visionary Greenlandic polar explorer and dog sled driver Jørgen Brønlund.

Jørgen Brønlund lies in the darkness of the empty depot on Lambert Land in Northeast Greenland. The year is 1907. Ten days ago, he left behind the bodies of Ludvig Mylius-Erichsen and Høeg Hagen. Jørgen secured the detailed maps proving that Peary Land is connected to the rest of Greenland—one land, one unified island. Not two islands, as the American Robert Peary claimed while asserting a U.S. claim to the area. Jørgen knows it well; this is his final station before death.

The Greenlandic Polar Explorer follows the life journey of Juulunnguaq—Jørgen Brønlund. Dog musher, son, catechist, sociologist, and a man with great dreams. He was part of the great Denmark Expedition of 1906–08, which mapped Greenland during the struggle for ownership of Northeast Greenland. Jørgen experienced the hardships, the hunger, and the cold—but also the sublime happiness found in the magnificent landscape.

The last journey
He has seen his traveling companions die, and now Jørgen’s final hour has come. With drum dancing, song, and laughter, a woman steps forward and draws him back through his life, preparing him for death. He relives the expeditions and the friends who shaped Greenland’s modern history. He remembers his childhood in Ilulissat alongside Knud, the pastor's son. He relives the dog sled journeys, icebergs, fear, joy, the women, and the nights beneath the stars. Teater freezeProductions and Naleraq Lights are back with a life drama on the edge of death. A journey through historical facts and the tale of one of Greenland’s great personalities. A story about leaving a mark—even when all seems lost. A tribute to Greenland and the Greenlandic soul.

Experience Reumert Award winner Klaus Geisler as one of Greenland’s great personalities, alongside drum dancer, actor, and singer Kuka Fleischer in this historical drama written by Makka Kleist.

Directed by Hanne Trap Friis

NB: The performance is in Danish

"The theatrical performance about Jørgen Brønlund united moving acting with a powerful tale of 20th-century Greenland, seasoned with warmth and humor... Every movement and every glance was meticulously choreographed, bringing Brønlund's story vividly to life for the audience... In the theater hall, history comes alive. The light falls softly across the stage as the audience follows every movement in silence. Brønlund's final journey is felt throughout the room.

The work of the lighting designer and sound designer creates an intense and almost magical atmosphere, instantly drawing the audience into the world of 20th-century Greenland.

The costumes and set design help create a believable portrait of the era and strengthen the production's historical expression. Artist and actor Kuka Fleischer plays the woman who keeps Brønlund alive while he fights alone against hunger and death. In the play, she evokes memories of adventure, loss, and love, giving the performance a dreamy and emotional dimension. And a few giggles along the way.. ”

Paninnguaq Steenholdt – reporter“

The newspaper Sermitisag

“Juuluunguaq – The Greenlandic Polar Explorer“, Teater Freezeproductions and Naleraq Lights. Foto: Milla Willis