The Poet of Finland – Eli Saarikoski ja minä

The Poet of Finland

– Surely people can't be allowed to do whatever they want just because of their intelligence?

– I think they can.

Love for a celebrated poet turns a young journalist's life upside down. One evening on her way home, Tuula-Liina encounters Pentti Saarikoski (1937-1983), a renowned artist who is also in desperate need of a bath. THE POET OF FINLAND is a performance about passionate love and the marriage of Pentti Saarikoski and Tuula-Liina Varis (born 1942).

Aina Bergroth's new play is a painfully funny and shocking journey back in time to the turn of the 1960s and 1970s in Finland. The play, which focuses on the dynamics of a romantic relationship, draws on contemporary descriptions and is loosely based on Tuula-Liina Varis's novel Kilpikonna ja olkimarsalkka (1994). 

The surrealistic performance deconstructs the myth of artistic brilliance while depicting Tuula-Liina's journey to the beginning of her writing career and freedom.

Ryhmäteatteri's new art director, Riikka Oksanen, directs the spring premiere. Oksanen and Bergroth previously collaborated on KOM Theatre's critically acclaimed and popular production Lou Salomé (2021).

The cast includes Minna Suuronen, Santtu Karvonen, Robin Svartström, Markku Haussila, and Johanna Isokoski.

The play is subtitled in English and Finnish every Wednesday and Friday. The performance language is Finnish. Duration 2 h 30 min. Includes flashing lights and theatrical smoke.

www.ryhmateatteri.fi

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Age limit: Recommended age 15+

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Accessibility:

An assistant can attend the event free of charge with the same ticket as the person being assisted: Not with the same ticket. Please reserve a free assistant ticket through Ryhmäteatteri’s ticket office or Tiketti’s phone service.
The event is wheelchair accessible: yes, more information below.
There is an accessible toilet at the event: yes
An induction loop is available for use at the event: yes
The event has a wheelchair platform: no
Customers using mobility aids are requested to contact in advance to ensure smooth entry: Yes, access to the theatre auditorium is via stairs. If you need a stair lift, please arrive at the main entrance on Helsinginkatu and report to the cloakroom staff. Please make sure to be there at least half an hour before the performance begins.
Other considerations: If you need assistance in finding an accessible seat, you can ask the café bar staff for help before the doors open. Please arrive at least half an hour before the performance.