Review: Kultalampi

Kultalampi is rare in that it not only entertains, but also provokes deep thoughts and reflections for the discussions at the end of the evening.

However, Kultalampi, which began as a play, is perhaps best known for the 1981 film with a well-known cast. It starred Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda, and their daughter was played by Jane Fonda. The film garnered three Oscars, two of which went to the main couple.

So there is plenty of pressure, but the Helsinki City Theatre’s version on the Arena stage responds to them nicely. Heidi Herala and Juhani Laitala, who play the main couple Ethel and Norman, do not lose to their film colleagues, but their performances and collaborations are just as natural as a married couple who have been together for decades. The play, written by Ernest Thompson (translated into Finnish by Arto af Hällström), is directed for the City Theatre by Tuomo Aitta.

The play is funny, but it also deals with big themes. There is renunciation and memory disorders, the burden of the past, past love and the difficult relationship between parent and child. For the 48th time, elderly Ethel (Herala) and Norman Thayer (Laitala) come to spend the summer at their villa in Kultalampi, a place that is so dear to them, but which begins to quiet down when their daughter no longer visits it and the circle of friends passes away one by one. Sadly, Norman’s memory has deteriorated so much that everyday life is starting to be difficult.

Daughter Chelsea Thayer (Emilia Sinisalo) does not share her parents’ love for the Kultalampi villa. She has always felt that her father, Norman, did not love or accept her. A certain bitterness has marked Chelsea’s life, which has passed by to some extent. Now, however, there are new winds in life: new partner Bill Ray (Samuli Suonpää) and his son Billy Ray (Kuura Rossi and Vertti Uusitalo alternate).

Ethel is already frustrated with Norman, who lacks initiative, but he comes back to life when Billy Ray comes to spend the summer with them. Is this the last summer at Kultalampi? Will Chelsea finally find peace in their relationship with their father and what is the role of postman Charlie Martin (Jussi Puhakka), who has loved Chelsea almost all his life?

Herala as Etheli covers the certain ability and determination nicely, but on the other hand, especially the fuss brought up by the grandchildren, which many recognize from their own grandmothers. Laitala’s comedy timing, on the other hand, comes out excellently in Norman’s unbridled one-liners. The roles of the supporting actors are quite small, but everyone carries their part well.

The play is rare in that it not only entertains, but also provokes deep thoughts and reflections for the discussions at the end of the evening. The play, which offers many different generations and interfaces, is well suited for different age groups, as it has something for everyone.