This Friday marks teh debut of the musical “provided that the Ball Rolls” at Gothenburg’s Lorensbergsteatern. Former national football star Lotta Schelin takes on the role of Nina, the team captain, bringing her passion for the sport to the stage.
– When I was approached, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. This is a topic that resonates deeply with me, shares Lotta Schelin.
The story revolves around the fictional club Vide BK,where a new women’s coach discovers that the real battle isn’t on the pitch but in the glaring disparities between men’s and women’s football. The musical sheds light on the frustration surrounding the unequal distribution of resources within Swedish sports organizations.
Martin Johansson, who co-wrote the script and music with David Oest, drew inspiration from personal experiences of inequality in football.
– It all started when we began coaching our daughters in soccer. The frustration with the unfair treatment led us to channel those emotions into creating this musical, explains Johansson.
At 40, Lotta Schelin finds a personal connection to her character, Nina. nina joins Vide BK out of her love for football but soon finds herself entangled in conversations about systemic inequality.
Change is often slower than we’d like it to be.
– What I relate to most is the dedication to what you do. As the captain, I’ve been with the club for years, focused solely on playing football.I’m not one to get involved in other matters, says Schelin.
While major clubs are increasingly investing in women’s football, the gap between men’s and women’s teams remains significant.
– Changing established structures takes time. Men’s football has always been prioritized, and shifting that mindset is challenging. We all want progress, but it doesn’t happen overnight, she adds.
Fans of TV4’s “masked Singer” already know about Lotta Schelin’s musical talents.Four years ago, she surprised audiences as the voice behind the Joker mask.
– I might not have taken on this role if I hadn’t done Masked Singer. Singing in front of people was terrifying, but being hidden behind a mask made it feel less daunting. It was incredibly fun to have a reason to sing, and it gave me the confidence to try something new, she recalls.
– In a way,it feels like fulfilling a childhood dream.
did you always have a knack for singing?
– My dad once shared a story from when I was seven. We were out in the countryside, and I was visibly upset. After some prodding, I finally confessed that I couldn’t decide whether to become a professional soccer player or a singer when I grew up, she recalls with a laugh.
You’ve already achieved success in football. Is this a new dream you’re pursuing now?
– It’s not something I’ve actively thought about as an adult.But now that I’m doing this, it feels incredibly exciting and enjoyable. In a way, it’s like revisiting a childhood dream.
What’s more nerve-wracking for you – playing in an international match or performing on stage?
– Definitely performing on stage! Sure, I’d get nervous before big matches, but once the game started, the nerves would fade. This, however, is a whole different level of scary.I’m really anxious about how I’ll handle the nerves during the premiere.
She also shares that there’s a surprising amount of musical talent in Swedish football. During her time at FC Rosengård, she was part of a quartet that would often entertain the team in the locker room.
– It was me, Emma Berglund, caroline Seger, and Olivia Schough. We’d sing “Goodbye Sweetheart” in harmony and just have fun. It was our way of breaking the monotony of hotel life during away games.
Out of the group, only Olivia Schough is still active in football, having recently moved from FC Rosengård to Inter.
io=1&width=520″ srcset=”https://static.bonniernews.se/gcs/bilder/dn-mly/80a24683-ff3d-4db8-bf4d-04bd0345282a.jpeg?io=1&width=520 520w, https://static.bonniernews.se/gcs/bilder/dn-mly/80a24683-ff3d-4db8-bf4d-04bd0345282a.jpeg?io=1&width=1040&quality=60 1040w” sizes=”520px” alt=”Lotta Schelin and Jessica Högefjord Rudberg during rehearsal.”/>
