In memory of Suzanne Osten

It is difficult to understand what Suzanne Osten has meant for Sweden's theater scene, or rather its culture. She was an influential figure in both stage and film, and stood out for her passionate commitment to children and young people – in general, to all those she perceived as marginalized in society. In 1975, she founded Unga Klara at Stockholms Stadsteater, among many other things.

Suzanne Osten was active at the Dramatic Institute (later SKH) during the period 1995–2009 as a teacher and professor.

Tinna Joné, Assistant Professor of Documentary Storytelling and Head of subject area Film and Media, attended the documentary film program at DI 1996–1999, when Suzanne Osten worked at the school. Tinna remembers how Suzanne, with an artistic courage and attack, characterized a cross-border study environment. 
– She could be wild, feisty and was constantly curious about new technology. Her approach to artistic expression was unique - she could talk about difficult things like 'an artistic failure'. Suzanne has meant so much to the school and to young artists. A great role model.

Ylva Gustavsson, Professor of Film and Media, also shares a memory.
– When Suzanne Osten became a professor at DI, I was a young film student and she was one of the few women in Sweden who directed films. For me, she was a brave and outspoken role model and when I had the honor of following her on a film set a few years later, I got to experience her collaborative creativity and inexhaustible ability to inspire on the set. She was a great source of inspiration and courage for me and for many others. Thank you Suzanne. I learned a lot from you!

Anja Suša, Professor of Directing, saw Suzanne as a mentor and friend.
– Suzanne has meant a lot to the way I direct. She also had a huge impact on theater for children and young people, not only in my home country Serbia, but in the whole former Yugoslavia.

Anders Aare, Assistant Professor of Sound Design, has written the following tribute to Suzanne:
Suzanne Osten was not only a brilliant director, playwright and theater manager; she was also a deeply committed fellow teacher. One of my strongest memories is from when I was new at the school (Dramatic Institute) and had to give a lecture on sound dramaturgy at Riksteatern. The nervousness was palpable, but just before I was about to start, I saw Suzanne walk in. She was the only colleague from school who was there, and her encouraging look and warm words reassured me. The lecture went well, right up until the question and answer session, when Suzanne took the floor and scrutinized my presentation with her usual sharpness. Nervousness bubbled up again, but quickly disappeared thanks to the curious and open way she asked her questions. The rest of the room was inspired, and I was met with applause when it was all over. She was like that – always questioning, curious and full of warmth.

In conversations with students, she used to gather us in a big circle, so that everyone would be seen and heard. She had a phenomenal ability to validate each of us - students, teachers and all staff. Suzanne involved everyone in her artistic process, and her enthusiasm and commitment inspired us. She was an invaluable asset to the school, from the major projects she led at the Drama Institute to the children's theater projects.

Through her work, Suzanne transformed the artistic scene and put children's and youth theater on the map as an integral part of cultural heritage. Her courage to challenge and explore new perspectives enriched not only those of us who worked closely with her, but also generations of artists and audiences. Suzanne leaves behind a void, but above all a lasting legacy of warmth, curiosity and courage to see every human being.