Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett explore public perception of spiritual practices in Viaplay’s documentary series Alternative Norge, addressing personal fears of social ostracization and stigma surrounding alternative beliefs in contemporary society, according to interviews and production details released by Viaplay and Nettavisen.
Documentary Premise and Royal Involvement
Alternative Norge is a six-episode documentary series examining the lived experiences of individuals whose beliefs diverge from mainstream societal norms, according to Viaplay. The series features a diverse group of practitioners, including animal communicators, shamans, breathwork therapists, clairvoyants, and spiritual guides. Production also includes appearances by Magnus Støre from Asker, the son of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, according to verified reporting by Nettavisen.
The series premiere, scheduled for September 16, was postponed from an earlier date following the death of King Harald, according to Viaplay. In the opening episode, Princess Märtha Louise and her husband, Durek Verrett—who reside at Stabekk in Bærum—appear at the popup festival OMG in Oslo. Verrett led attendees through what production notes described as a powerful and emotional sound journey, while the princess delivered a speech regarding her personal spiritual journey.
Overcoming Fear and Social Stigma
Speaking from the stage at the OMG festival, Princess Märtha Louise recounted her initial reluctance to publicly disclose her spiritual beliefs. According to her statements reported by Nettavisen, she spent years operating within what she described as a “spiritual closet,” driven by a fear that revealing her true self would result in severe social consequences.
“I remember when I was still in a ‘spiritual closet,'” the princess stated from the stage, as covered by Nettavisen. “I was so afraid to tell people. I thought that if I told who I actually was, it would be the end of me.”
The princess reflected on historical perspectives of those who diverged from societal norms, telling the festival audience that while individuals were historically persecuted for expressing unconventional truths, contemporary society offers greater safety. She emphasized that individuals possess an obligation to live authentically so that others feel empowered to do the same.
Building Bridges Between Alternative and Mainstream Society
In interviews with Nettavisen during Viaplay’s autumn launch event in June, Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett discussed their motivations for participating in the television project. The princess noted that she frequently finds public exposure in Norway difficult and uncomfortable, which explains her previous absence from similar media platforms.
“I am not very good at going out in Norway, simply,” the princess told Nettavisen in June. “I think it is difficult, I think it is uncomfortable. So that is why I haven’t participated before either. It was super scary to step forward as spiritual, and that I can see things and that I am psychic. But I think the younger generation today is much more open to these things.”
Märtha Louise argued that significant social stigma continues to attach to spiritual practices in Norway. She stated that a primary goal of the documentary is to foster dialogue and construct a bridge between the alternative and non-alternative segments of society, contending that human spiritual capabilities are natural rather than anomalous.
Handling Public Criticism
Despite previous intense public scrutiny directed at the Netflix documentary Rebel Royals, Durek Verrett stated that he harbors no concerns regarding negative reactions to Alternative Norge, according to his June interview with Nettavisen.
“I know that many Norwegians care about what others think, but I don’t care at all,” Verrett told Nettavisen. “What of it? It’s like going to an art exhibit. Either you like it, or you don’t like it.”
Princess Märtha Louise echoed the sentiment of seeking mutual respect rather than universal agreement, stating that the documentary aims to encourage respect for individuals who possess unconventional abilities, regardless of whether observers fully understand or agree with those practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Alternative Norge premiere?
The six-episode documentary series premieres on September 16 on Viaplay, following a delay due to the death of King Harald.
Who is featured in the documentary?
The series features Princess Märtha Louise, Durek Verrett, Magnus Støre, and various alternative practitioners including animal communicators, shamans, breathwork therapists, and clairvoyants, according to Viaplay and Nettavisen.
What is the main objective of the series according to the participants?
According to Princess Märtha Louise, the series aims to build a bridge between alternative and mainstream society, reduce the social stigma attached to spiritual practices, and encourage mutual respect.
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