Ballade.no has issued the following report (translated) from Carl Kristian Johansen:

Kristian Espedal, also known as Gaahl (formerly of) black metal band GORGOROTH, plays an important role in the production of the musical Svartediket. The musical will be set up at Den Nationale Scene (DNS) and is part of the application to the Bergen International Festival.

Gaahl is controversial in light of more violence, one of them for abuse. Gaahl has served time in prison. Gorgoroth, his former band, has also been charged with blasphemy in Poland.

Gaahl is known for his anti-Christian attitudes. In Tuesday's edition of the Bergens Tidende (BT) Gaahl elaborates his antipathies toward Christianity and the newspaper cites Gaahl as stating that religion has nothing to do in Norway.

Asked if he defends burning down several churches, as was done in the 1990s, responding Gaahl to BT that "as long as the church stands for the power it has and oppression, we should not view the Church of sympathy."

"So I do not think it is wrong if it happens again, someone burns down churches. The symbolic value of burning down churches is important."

When asked if he could set fire to churches, Gaahl will not give an answer, but says he believes strongly that the symbol value by burning churches is a good thing.

"But I have been uncertain about the effect of church burning has become less than the value of doing so. I fear it will strengthen the church that any attack it. That the Christians will be more together then. But I defend those who burned down churches", says Gaahl to BT.

These statements have created stir in Bergen. Bishop Hagesæther in Bjorgvin told BT that the DNS has a big problem if Gaahl maintains his statements.

"When should Bjarte Hjelmeland reconsider its contract with him, believe Nordhaug."

Bjarte Hjelmeland is artistic director of the DNS. Nordhaug says further that Gaahl shows frightening attitude by defending the church fires."

Read the full report at this location.