Than
gold nugget

———————————————————————————————————————

Elling.
Helsinki
City Theatre, Studio Pasila. Written by Axel Hellstenius Ingvar
Based on Ambjörnsen’s novel Brödre i blodet. Involved in the dramatisation
through his theatre and film directions Petter Naess. Translated by Henri Kapulainen,
directed by Tommi Auvinen, set design by Oskari Torvinen, costumes by Sari Salmela, lighting by Teppo
Saarinen, voiced by Ari-Pekka Saarikko. Cast: Jouko Klemettilä, Tuomas Uusitalo,
Eppu Salminen, Marjut Toivanen.    

———————————————————————————————————————

“I don’t believe in the big quakes of life. In my opinion, we
We place too much emphasis on sensations and so-called exploits. – Small is
great.” These are the words of the Norwegian best-selling author Ingvar
Ambjörnsen.

  
After seeing Studio Pasila’s novelty, Elling, he gladly agrees
with the author. Ambjörnsen’s story is charming. It moves
gently tightens the heart and is realised as a stage work in an enjoyable way.

                     
                     
XXXXX

This autumn’s theatre offering in the capital is plentiful,
high-quality and multi-nuanced. Elling stands out with a glowing gold nugget
law. It is the story of two outcasts who are a little mentally shaken
young men who are seeking to return after a period of institutional care
society, open conditions, so to speak. Friends have arranged
housing of the city, and their adaptation is supervised by the
social worker.

    
Comedy born of anxiety, other people’s neuroses and fears
is as violent as the laughter it unleashes is liberating. When your phone rings
causes panic when going to the store feels overwhelming, when it is safe
is only within four walls, and even there is the most familiar thought from the “past life”.
and behavioral patterns. Why not, the viewer finds themselves wondering. Phobias of varying degrees
are true for many people personally. Someone doesn’t dare to go into the elevator, another
I’m afraid of public speaking or the dentist’s chair.

                     
                     
XXXXX

To Elling and Kjell Bjarne for coping with everyday life
becomes like a matter of life and death, for unless they are gradually encouraged
and show signs of recovery – if that is any correct expression – their
must return to  institutional care. Audience
You find yourself enjoying even the smallest advances of the characters in the story. It
We are like a cheering bag in sports competitions. All for one. and
The joy of success, it is meant to be shared.

   Nor
The text is by no means based on the fact that only all the world’s slippers
would be freaks, no no, yes outside of our mental institutions
there is sometimes wonder in the actions and reactions of those who walk around, and these
The author skilfully taps into the features. And all the time there is between the lines
you can also read the medical history, what kind of circumstances are at stake right now
have lowered their tolerance threshold and
their resistance, raised the sensitivity bare to the surface. Equally,
the relativity of intelligence and the recognition of the value of emotions
in all social interactions.

                     
                     
XXXXX

Tommi Auvinen’s direction has produced a great performance,
where even the physical range of the characters has been used insightfully
good for extending the episodes beyond the actual stage. 

    
Jouko Klemettilä’s acting is admirable and confusingly precise
and fine-tuned. His Elling is related to the film’s Jack Nicholson and
Dustin Hoffman in similar roles interpreted by these stars, e.g.
due to its well-researched and rich language of gestures and facial expressions.

    
The young Tuomas Uusitalo is appealingly childlike and fully empathetic
Kjell Bjarne, who plays together with Klemettilä
hunches. Eppu Salminen also makes a rough and grippy
tense role as a social worker, and the “smell of a woman”
that Marjut Toivanen in all three roles.

                                            
Kaarina Naski