Note: No longer in repertoire!

A heart-warming and surprising love story brimming with French romance and sparkling comedy.

Kaktuksen kukka bubbles with French romance and sparkling comedy. This heart-warming and surprising love story centres on Stéphane (Satu Silvo), who is about to turn over a new leaf. Set in 1960s Paris, this delightful tale blossoms into life. Middle-aged dentist Julien (Santeri Kinnunen) has no desire to settle down, but nor does he want to give up his relationship with the young Antonia (Vappu Nalbantoglu). Julien thinks he can make the equation work by telling one tiny lie: that he has a wife and three children. Problem solved! Or not. Antonia refuses to be discouraged by the obstacles in the path of their romance, and eventually the dentist, softened by love and feminine wiles, gives in and promises to divorce his wife. But Antonia is not satisfied with that. She also insists on meeting Julien’s wife. Julien now faces a new problem: where can he find a wife to divorce at such short notice? Stéphane, who works at Julien’s dental practice, is a loyal colleague who leads an orderly life. Julien persuades her to join the deception. The ensuing events propel Stéphane beyond the point of no return, and soon the dutiful dental nurse is a thing of the past. Her hair comes tumbling down, champagne glasses clink and high heels click as Stéphane breaks free from her former self and bursts into radiant bloom. The elegant and romantic comedy Kaktuksen kukka is also remembered for the 1969 film adaptation, in which Goldie Hawn made her Oscar-winning debut as Antonia and Ingrid Bergman played Stéphane. Kaktuksen kukka is directed by Arn-Henrik Blomqvist, whose previous production at the Arena Stage, Otetaas toiset, was a hit with audiences.

Arena Stage, Hämeentie 2

Cast  Santeri Kinnunen, Satu Silvo, Vappu Nalbantoglu, Frans Isotalo, Eero Saarinen, Jouko Klemettilä, Eija Vilpas, Ilona Chevakova

 

Director Arn-Henrik Blomqvist

Finnish translation Esko Elstelä

Set design Jyrki Seppä

Costume design Riitta Anttonen-Palo

Choreography Jyrki Karttunen

Lighting design Kari Leppälä

Sound design Mauri Siirala

Makeup and hair Anne Gorlewski-Leino, Taina Tervo

Performance rights administered by Näytelmäkulma – Nordic Drama Corner Oy