Oslo

Written by J.T. Rogers
Awards:

  • Tony Award for Best Play (2017)

Synopsis
Oslo is a gripping political drama that recounts the behind-the-scenes negotiations that led to the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The play focuses on Terje Rød-Larsen and Mona Juul, a Norwegian couple who facilitated the secret talks. Through sharp dialogue and compelling storytelling, Oslo captures the tension, human drama, and fragile optimism of these historic negotiations. Balancing humour with high-stakes diplomacy, the play sheds light on the complex personalities and political dynamics that shaped one of the most significant peace agreements in modern history.

Themes and Analysis

  • Diplomacy and Humanity: The play examines how personal relationships can influence political outcomes, portraying negotiators as deeply human rather than abstract figures of power.

  • Conflict and Compromise: It explores the delicate balance between ideological differences and the practical need for compromise in achieving peace.

  • Trust and Secrecy: The clandestine nature of the negotiations highlights the fragility of trust in politically charged environments.

  • Hope and Realism: While the play acknowledges the challenges of lasting peace, it also celebrates the courage and effort required to make progress.

Key Moments

  • The First Meeting: The initial, tension-filled encounter between the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators sets the tone for the high-stakes talks.

  • The Personal Interactions: Moments of humour and camaraderie between the negotiators reveal their humanity, breaking through the political divide.

  • The Signing of the Accords: The climactic scene captures the cautious optimism and emotional weight of achieving an agreement against all odds.

  • Juul’s Reflection: Mona Juul’s narration throughout the play offers a poignant perspective on the triumphs and shortcomings of the process.

Critical Reception
Oslo was widely praised for its masterful blend of historical accuracy, gripping drama, and nuanced characterisation. Critics lauded J.T. Rogers for bringing clarity and humanity to a complex political event, creating a play that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

The New York Times called it “a thrilling account of a political breakthrough,” while The Guardian described it as “an engrossing and vital piece of theatre.”

Why It Resonates Today
As global conflicts and peace efforts continue to dominate headlines, Oslo serves as a reminder of the power of dialogue and the potential for progress, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable differences. Its exploration of diplomacy and human connection remains deeply relevant.

Fun Facts

  • The play premiered at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center in New York before transferring to Broadway and London’s West End.

  • J.T. Rogers conducted extensive interviews with key figures involved in the Oslo Accords to ensure historical accuracy.

  • The play’s success led to a 2021 film adaptation starring Andrew Scott and Ruth Wilson.