Review: Kirje Siperiasta

SIBERIA TEACHES

One of the finest performances of the theatre autumn is Brevet från Sibirien, which is quietly focused on one actor.
Part of the atmosphere of the performance is the attic of the Amos Anderson Art Museum, which is in theatre use for the first time. Rarely do space and story meet in such perfect harmony.
The play, which is part of Lillan’s repertoire, is also very topical.
The performance, dramatised from Christian Sundgren’s novel, takes us to the time that the Russian Revolution began 90 years ago, which is also called the human experiment.


Narrator of the play Elna is an experienced and eyewitness to the Soviet Union’s period of terror, Joseph Stalin’s deportations and prison camps. The letters saved by chance and other documents describing the time give Elna’s experiences probative value.

Milja Sarkola has dramatised and directed the story to a space where the bare brick walls represent prison cells. One human destiny gives a voice to millions.


Journeys from one camp to another, train journeys that last for months and the cold of Siberia, uncertainty about the fate of loved ones and one’s own future are condensed into a travelogue to hell.

Lilga Kovanko expresses the distressing emotions of a great tragedy in small details. She never stays in misery, nor does Elna’s story. The greatest heroism is silent fighting and uprightness.
Even in the most difficult circumstances, Elna does not give up. Kovanko plays the more harshly the protagonist suffers. Impressive.
We have heard, read and seen a lot about the fates of those who were deported to Siberia, but Elna’s story is valuable among them. It’s personal and accurate.