Review: Ateljee
Life wins,
Simone
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Studio.
Frenchman Jean-Claude Grumberg’s play at the Helsinki City Theatre
on a small stage. Translated by Reita Lounatvuori, directed by Anneli Mäkelä,
set design and costumes Katariina Kirjavainen, choreography Javier Torres, music
arrangement and rehearsal Lasse Hirvi, lighting Juhani Leppänen, sound Mauri
Siirala. Cast: Jari Pehkonen, Leena Uotila, Kristiina Elstelä, Tiia Louste,
Jonna Järnefelt, Ursula Salo, Vappu Nalbantoglu, Matti Rasila, Eppu Salminen,
Aarno Sulkanen, Sasu Tuominen, Aku Korhonen, Leevi Priha/Otto Kämppi.
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It is no wonder that Jean-Claude Grumberg’s play
The studio has been well received around the world. As a story, it is
like butterflies in a meadow; some have bright colors, others have wings
dark, but all of them compete under the same sky. Everything.
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The events take place in a few post-war years
In France. In the sewing shop owned by a Jewish couple, people live both
in real time and in the background stages, because not only do people try to
cope with everyday problems as best they can, they are affected by
still strongly wartime experiences. And if not French seamstresses
had previously wondered how Jews or their loved ones, those who
survived the persecutions, got a new life, now they were
to witness it.
The owners of the sewing shop, Léon and Hélène, have gone through their own hell and
quietly try to help others
people like them and in need. By offering work, they do it
in the most subtle way. The press has been given a chance and the seamstress, a single parent
Simone, who waits – in vain – for her husband to return
concentration camp.
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This play is not a lament, on the contrary,
There is a lot of laughter in it. Of course, the skilful dramatist has used counter-forces
to tell their story. The women at the sewing shop are each unique
personalities and sometimes clash so much that it hurts. But what
They are united by genuine love of neighbor. Everyone realizes Simone’s difficult
but also the mental situation. Like the Musketeers, they are all
for one, not programmatically, but even better,
instinctively.
Small is beautiful, it’s a good expression, but even though Ateljee seemingly
is a small theatrical work, it has a great impact, because for its part it
trying to digest humanity a bit
lump stuck in my throat.
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The story would have had the ingredients for tearing up
Pennies from the sky-type control solution, where the musical parts
would have been emphasized as more visible stage episodes, imaginary narrative
supplements. Anneli Mäkelä has chosen the middle ground, progress
clearly through portraits. It works in an atmosphere-oriented way and well, because it is custom-made here
and why not, since we are in the sewing shop.
Kristiina Elstelä is a heartfelt and caring Giséle,
Tiia Louste is a gallantly self-righteous sophisticated lady
Laurence, Ursula
Salo, Vappu Nalbantoglu
little girlish and kind Marie. The group is intact and its adaptability to each
quite elastic for the actor. Attitude towards the newest member of the community
makes everyone wary, but quickly the delicate and melancholy Simone –
Jonna Järnefelt – is one of the crowd. Even if the newcomer first
seems to isolate himself, he soon sings and laughs among the others.
included.
Järnefelt does his role in a deliberately understated manner, he has
mystery, even fearfulness, and her delicate face is open and revealing.
Even more closed, living in his own world, is the sewing shop press,
which Matti Rasila interprets in a delicately nerve-wracking way. His
falling in love with Simone leads nowhere, but after a night of theatre
the highlight is the Yiddish Tango danced by him and Simone. It’s full of
erotic charge, the rhythmic freedom of lingering movement and
sorrowful longing.
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Leena Uotila takes on her role in style
as Hélène, the co-director of the sewing shop. Whether the communication is verbal or
speechless, he appeals to the viewer. Uotila boldly makes this wise,
the role of a woman who feels strongly and does not lose a single comic element
when they are available.
The real surprise is then made by Jari Pehkonen
as the company’s number one boss, Léon. Except that the comedian’s talents are unabashed
game, the acting now reveals more. Léon is loud and supposedly
He is a tough man, but he is quite kind and empathetic at heart. Pehkonen
expresses the whole scale in a really interesting way.
Ytyä
and there is also a look on the face of Eppu Salminen as a trade union activist
and Aarno Sulkanen as a wholesaler. Simonen played the youngest
at the press premiere, endearingly Leevi Priha.
Music plays an essential role in the whole. Selected Time and
melodies that fit the theme were heard both live – as well as from that very moment
born – and from the tape. The latter included e.g. a few Jonna
Järnefelt’s heart is filled with beautifully beautiful solos.