Review: Punaorvot

The most shocking times in Finland’s recent history have received successful performances before by author Anneli Kanto and directed by director Lauri Maijala.

Both have a humane and realistic sense of drama that also has humor, which was rightly lacking in this performance of The Red Orphans.

It is the time after the Civil War, there were tens of thousands of widows and orphans, both on the side of the Whites and the Reds.

The family was supported by the older children, if even the punik puppy got a job. In Helsinki, it was particularly difficult. Beyond the Pitkäsilta bridge, life was particularly brutal and there was always deprivation.

Johansson’s widow lived in Kallio, Helsinki, with her four children. The man had been shot by the Whites. The widow does not have the strength or endure life and hunger causes a catastrophe that cannot be survived. Neighbourly help is the only help that the punk received. Elli next door was a social worker and a psychiatrist at the same time.

A questionable salvation is offered by White Finland’s help “Homes for the Homeless”, which places red orphans in Ostrobothnia in children’s homes and as foster children. According to the story, some were lucky and others were not at all.

The stage is once again everything, Janne Vasama’s set design is chaos, streets and yards and rectangular Ostrobothnia. A great and colorful world where the events are also emphasized thanks to sound and lights.

The main role as a mother is played by Ella Mettänen, whose wounds are visible on her face and her body is in long agony.

The role of the eldest child is played by Antti Autio, who speaks to us with both his voice and his movements.

Wenla Reimaluoto’s older sister Lahja is a creator of pain and mood, and her strong performance is rewarding to watch. The little sister is Anna Böhm, whose Ilona is again a tragicomic character in post-war life, where she knows how to take joy from the little ones.

The role of the neighbour Elli is played by the strong and convincing Riitta Havukainen, who always knows everything that requires crying, laughter and reality in the midst of tragedies. Everyone on stage knows their task and is involved in a brutal manner. The opening scene is already shocking and warns of what is to come.

Thank you and bow for the performance.