Review: Myrskyluodon Maija

Helsinki City Theatre’s autumn musical

Maija of Myrskyluoto

After the renovation of the Helsinki City Theatre, the programme began with a story based on Anni Blomqvist’s novel, for which Lasse Mårtenson has composed the music. The film was shown as a six-part TV series years ago, and the story is therefore a new acquaintance for younger viewers. Seppo Parkkinen’s dramatization brings a different dimension to the performance on stage, where the events of the years unfold in the same stage space. The music moves the performance forward, and the lyrics to Mårtenson’s music have been written by Maija Vilkkumaa and the arrangements for the orchestra by Arttu Takalo. Takalo brings speed to Mårtenson’s music, the going is sometimes wildly enigmatic and sounds different from the original harmonic and slightly melancholic tone of the music. Making the musical is a rare Finnish production and it is a tribute to the late Lasse Mårtenson. He was involved in the production in the early stages of planning and his work was continued by his son Kasper Mårtenson.

Fast-paced action

A lot is happening on stage at the same time. Director Kari Rentola moves a large crowd on stage The spirits, elves and ghosts associated with the beliefs of that time perform on stage dancing and depicting emotions. At some points, the action was wild and fast-paced, as a spectator I enjoyed the peaceful backwaters, such as Maija and Janne’s wedding and Maija’s songs on a high hill, where she watched her husband arriving from the sea by boat.

The music is produced by an entire orchestra, conducted by Eeva Kontu. The orchestra under the stage is hidden, only the conductor’s baton and head verify the existence of the orchestra, and the voice comes amplified. In spoken theatre, the visible presence of the orchestra is not possible. The music of the performance as a whole is of a high standard, and the songs of the main roles are enjoyable to hear. The role of Maija is sung by Laura Alajääski and the role of Janne is sung by Aaro Wichmann.

Maija from Myrskyluoto is a survivor, the difficulties raised her to be brave. The theme of the musical is the survival of a small person in the midst of barren nature. The natural disasters of this time affect a large number of people, and the loss of a home, the grief of death, is always the grief of the individual, which is why the story speaks to us in these times.

The autumn performances are almost sold out, but Maija from Myrskyluoto will continue in the spring season as well.