Review: Punaorvot

With open wounds,

Red Orphans brings to the stage the most innocent victims of the Civil War.

Two years ago, old wounds were treated and stitched up with a lot of work, when a hundred years had passed since the Finnish Civil War. The subject was discussed in plays and novels, and many people woke up to ask whose troops their ancestors had stood in.

Now it’s the children’s turn. Lauri Maijala and Anneli Kanto’s play Red Orphans brings the most innocent victims of the bloody war to the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre.

At the beginning, a happily bustling family settles into the group photo. The revolution is just around the corner, and the slavery of labor would soon be over. We, the viewers, also agree with the familiar workers’ song.

It goes badly. The father of the family is shot innocently, the mother crumbles under her own guilt and four children are left behind.

The subject is extremely tough, but you don’t get bogged down in brutality. Maijala’s direction progresses smoothly, the acting is skilful and precise, and the sound design, sets and costumes constantly offer surprises.

In the midst of adversity, there are also bright spots: the neighbour Elli ( Riitta Havukainen, radiating warm charisma) is always ready to help, even though her fate is heartbreaking.

The Red Orphans is undoubtedly a theatrical affair. The destruction of a family is painful, but there is a glimmer of hope in the resilience of its members.