The Queen’s Play is a historical contemporary drama about power, love and the superstar of her time, Queen Christina

Young Kristiina has huge expectations. She is a girl who is raised to be a king. A woman who must secure the royal family by marrying and giving birth to an heir. A ruler who must be the figurehead and leader of his war-torn nation. But Kristiina wants something completely different. He wants to make dark and uncivilized Sweden a guiding star of science and art, a European kingdom of freedom and civilisation. And Kristiina wants her lady-in-waiting Belle. The cross-pressure between the public role and private life gives rise to wild, funny and touching drama.

“In the queen play, I am particularly interested in the themes of power, freedom, responsibility and love. Queen Christina, who was later declared a queer icon, is one of the most interesting people in the history of Sweden and Finland – she was a modern person in the conservative era. He was a contradictory and multifaceted figure, who did not lack courage and dared to do things that others did not. The play focuses on Kristiina’s reign and her abdication of power. It is about leaving and leaving, longing for freedom and hunger for love, and immense courage at a time when kings and queens were the successors of the gods. It will be a wonderful comprehensive work that does not lack tension and power, sensitivity and grotesqueness!”, says director Sini Pesonen.

The fascinating role of the anarchist Queen Christina is played by activist, artist and actress Elsi Sloan. Belle is played by Aino Sirje. The other roles are played by Rauno Ahonen, Pekka Huotari, Vappu Nalbantoglu, Aino Seppo, Vilma Sippola, Alvari Stenbäck, Mikko Vihma and Joachim Wigelius.

The play is written by Jussi Moila and directed by Sini Pesonen. The choreographer has been Kaisa Torkkel. The set and video design are the responsibility of Tinja Salmi, winner of the City of Helsinki’s Artist Award 2025, and Toini Nissinen. The historically handsome costumes were designed by Henna-Riikka Taskinen and the camouflage by Pia Malmberg. The composition and sound design are by Aleksi Saura. Aleksi Saura has also composed a song for the play together with Elsi Sloan. The lighting design is by Kari Leppälä. The props have been designed by Mira Rokkanen and the dramaturg has been Henna Piirto.

Read the interview with the director and screenwriter on the theatre’s website: The Rebellious Queen Was a Superstar of Her TimeThe premiere of The Queen Play on 28.8.2025 on the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5).

Tickets: basic ticket €47, student ticket €23.50 (Mon-Thu) and pensioner ticket €44 (Mon-Thu)
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Helsinki City Theatre ticket sales and customer service by phone (09) 3940 22 Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket offices First line 2, Mon-Fri 12-17, Eläintarhantie 5, Sat (performance days) 11-18.30 and one hour before the performance and Lippu.fi, Mon-Sat 9-19, Sun 12-16, tel. 0600 900 900 (2 €/min + local network charge) www.hkt.fi

In the photo: Elsi Sloan. Photo: Heli Blåfield

Further information, media ticket reservations and interview requests:
Kaisa Pelkonen, Communications Manager, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788
Helsinki City Theatre, Ensi linja 2, 00530 Helsinki