Elolliset explores the history of species loss, with Steller’s sea cow taking centre stage.
Based on Iida Turpeinen’s bestselling novel (Kustantamo S&S, 2023), Elolliset traces the story of a species hunted to extinction, from the 18th century to the present day. This visually and aurally striking co-production by Helsinki City Theatre and the WAUHAUS collective brings to the stage a host of people who lived through pivotal moments in the history of natural science. Adapted for the stage by Pipsa Lonka, the play will have its world premiere on 3 September at the Small Stage.
Elolliset is set in Helsinki’s Natural History Museum, where a museum guide takes the audience on a journey through different centuries and across the globe. The story of Steller’s sea cow reveals how the very concept of extinction first emerged.
Discovered in the 1740s, Steller’s sea cow vanished from the face of the Earth within just a few decades. At the time, humans had yet to understand that their own actions could cause biodiversity loss and wipe out entire species.
“These themes are rarely explored in theatre, where human relationships usually take centre stage. We were interested in examining the subject without assigning blame, but without evading responsibility either. I feel this is a particularly relevant question in our time,” says director Juni Klein.
“One of our theatre’s key missions is to bring forward stories that truly make us stop and reflect. Biodiversity loss and extinction affect us all, yet they rarely feel immediate or personal. Iida Turpeinen’s text manages to be as gripping as a thriller while making observations of exceptional importance. We are proud to bring it to the stage in a fresh and powerful way,” says Theatre Director Kari Arffman.
The distinctive theatrical language of the WAUHAUS collective, responsible for the artistic design of Elolliset, seeks to confront us with the bewildering transformation in our worldview brought about by extinction.
“Our work often inhabits the space between tragedy and humour, opening up paths towards understanding and emotion. We aim to make lighting, sound and spatial design just as central to the storytelling as the text written for the stage,” says Laura Haapakangas of the WAUHAUS collective.
The cast of Elolliset features Rauno Ahonen, Noora Dadu, Heidi Herala, Sanna-June Hyde, Unto Nuora, Mikko Paloniemi, Justus Pienmunne, Aino Seppo and Alexander Wendelin.
Pipsa Lonka has adapted the work for the stage from Iida Turpeinen’s original text. The concept for the stage production was developed by WAUHAUS members Laura Haapakangas, Juni Klein and Heidi Soidinsalo, together with guest artist Erno Aaltonen. The production is directed by Juni Klein, with set and costume design by Laura Haapakangas, lighting design by Erno Aaltonen and sound design by Heidi Soidinsalo. Video design is by Erno Aaltonen and Laura Haapakangas, choreography by Kauri Sorvari and make-up design by Jaana Nykänen. The production’s dramaturg is Ari-Pekka Lahti.
Iida Turpeinen’s novel Elolliset is the most successful Finnish debut novel of all time. Published in 2023, it won the Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize for the best debut, was nominated for the Finlandia Prize, was included on The New York Times list of recommended historical fiction, and its translation rights have now been sold in nearly 30 language territories.
WAUHAUS is an award-winning multidisciplinary collective based in Helsinki, known for its immersive audiovisual stage aesthetic and collaborative models of authorship.
Read an interview with director Juni Klein and scenographer Laura Haapakangas on the theatre’s website: In Search of Steller’s Sea Cow
Elolliset premieres on 3.9.2026 at Helsinki City Theatre’s Small Stage (Eläintarhantie 5).
Standard ticket 47 €, student ticket 23,50 € (Mon–Thu) and senior ticket 44 € (Mon–Thu)
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Press release image: Jaakko Suomalainen, image editing by Kim Sinisalo.
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