Review: Mannerheim ja saksalainen suudelma

Smoothly from Finland

Now there is informative and digestible theatre on offer that tells Finland’s story from independence to the Second World War. The main character is Mannerheim, who has found his likeness in Asko Sarkola.

The play proceeds chronologically. The scenes are short, the dramaturgy works, and especially the first act is a tight thing. Old photos, videos and newspaper clippings tell us where we stand. They anchor the scenes of the play to a historical event.  Mannerheim leads wars, it is still his job at the age of 70. But Mannerheim also has feelings. They blaze for Kitty Linder, but Kitty’s heart beats for someone else. The second act is more emotional than the first. It is also affected by the depiction of the Second World War, so many of their fathers were there.

If I were a history teacher, I would take my class to see this acted history.