Festive charms and fireworks at Studio Pasila
Swinging music, the magic of theatre and the best aspects of being a woman,” says Merja Larivaara, whose idea gave rise to the performance Woman – Always at the Best Age.
At the musical entertainment evening, Larivaara will be joined on stage by Aino Seppo, Leenamari Unho, Mikko Virtanen and the Kaihon Caravan Orchestra.
“This is not a so-called traditional plot play, but the evening consists of numbers in which music and text take the story forward,” Larivaara explains.
“The music is easily approachable, fresh and emotional. There is a lot of it in the performance, and most of it is new compositions.”
LARIVAARA, who turns 60 this year, has looked at women’s lives with a twinkle in her eye while preparing the performance. The performance also draws on his own life story.
What has it been like to live as a woman in Finland? What kind of choices have women made? What kind of customs and styles have there been at different times? What have the traditions been like and how have they been passed on? What lessons have women learned from mothers, fathers, grandmothers and fathers? What if the grandmother had been Coco Chanel?
The title Woman – Always in the Best Age is extensive and the duration of the performance is just over two hours. “You have to think carefully about what you can fit into the evening. There is a choice, and you have to limit it,” Larivaara says.
“For years, there has been a wish for a rerun of the music entertainment program ‘Sing Sing Sing‘, which was shown on TV. A woman – always in her prime, is her cousin.”
Larivaara says that the proposal acts as a counterforce to the worries, fears and threats that the current social situation may cause.
DESPITE ITS NAME, the performance is not only aimed at women, but Larivaara welcomes everyone to experience joy and togetherness.
There will be an all-evening experience where you can go to a concert and a theatre with the same ticket. Studio Pasila is being decorated and there is a surprise program at each show!
Larivaara hopes that people will gather friends together and come to celebrate the evening. And if you come alone, you will definitely get caught up in the atmosphere and always fit into the group.
“We put everything on the line so that the performance gives joy of life, hope and comfort, and we are all present and close to each other for a small moment.”
Text Ida Henritius