History of Kultalampi
Ernest Thompson’s play On Golden Pond premiered off-Broadway in 1978 and starred Tom Aldredge and Frances Sternhagen. The performance was a huge success and was moved to the New Apollo Theatre on Broadway in February 1979 and to the Century Theatre the following season. In total, it was performed more than 400 times.
The play was made into a film in 1981 and starred Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn and Jane Fonda. The film received three Oscars and three Golden Globes, as well as a BAFTA Award.
In 2001, Ernest Thompson directed a TV version of Golden Pond, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.
In Finland, Kultalampi premiered at the Finnish National Theatre (1979), starring Eeva-Kaarina Volanen and Hannes Häyrinen. The play has also been performed at the Tampere Workers’ Theatre (1986), Svenska Teatern (1988), Mikkeli Theatre (1989), Kemi City Theatre (1991), Oulu City Theatre (2010), Tampere Comedy Theatre (2011), Lappeenranta City Theatre (2011), Varkaus Theatre (2011), Seinäjoki City Theatre (2014) and Hämeenlinna Theatre/Riihimäki Theatre (2016).
Kultalampi was performed at the Helsinki City Theatre in 2000, directed by Arto af Hällström and translated into Finnish. The performance differed slightly from the previous ones, as it was a new and abridged version adapted by the author for the Riverside Theater in Florida. The main roles were played by Tea Ista and Matti Ranin, and the other roles were played by Kristiina Halttu, Jouko Klemettilä, Kari Mattila and Mika Ranin. The performance was heartfelt and touching and received a warm welcome from the audience.
Now the new Kultalampi on the Arena stage is directed by theatre director and scriptwriter Tuomo Aitta, who is visiting the Helsinki City Theatre for the first time. She has previously worked at e.g. He has been awarded the Eino Kalima Prize for directing Martin McDonagh’s play The Pillowman (2004).
Text: Hanna Kalsto