Fjernsynsteatret was a department of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) that produced plays for television broadcasting. It opened in 1960 (after about a year of experimental operation) and operated until a major reorganisation of NRK occurred in 1990.[1]
Its first leader was Arild Brinchmann, who headed the theatre from its start until 1967.[1] [2] Later directors were Tore Breda Thoresen from 1967 to 1980[3] and Magne Bleness from 1980 to 1990.[1] [4]
Fjernsynsteatret's first production was a play by Peter Brook, shown on April 8, 1959. During its first years, the theatre developed between twenty and twenty-five productions annually, and the performances were broadcast directly. Later developments saw a merge between theatre and film; the productions became more expensive, and the number of productions decreased significantly.[1]
The theatre was replaced by NRK Drama in 1990.[1]