Although based in Tromsø in the Arctic Circle, where it occupies a modern purpose-built building, the theatre also tours the surrounding rural areas.

While the first production, The Threepenny Opera (Die Dreigroschenoper) by German composers Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) and Kurt Weill (1900–1950), received positive critical reviews, only 16 people attended the premiere.

[1][2][3] Early productions tended to highlight political and social issues, but this radical edge faded as the theatre diversified.

One of the theater's biggest successes was a full-length piece about the northern Norwegian village hero Oluf Rallkattli written and portrayed by Arthur Arntzen.

[6] The sculpture of "The seven Muses and the theater mascots" by Inghild Karlsen and Bo Bisgaard stands right by the main entrance of the theatre.