The Roses of the Squirrel tells a positive story about 70-year-old women and the audience takes the tickets away
Based on Pirjo Tuominen’s best-selling novel of the same name (Tammi, 2024), the warm-hearted Kurtturuusut has been of enormous interest to the audience. The play depicts older women in a way that differs from what we are used to: not through illness or grandmotherhood, but from the perspective of friendship and the passion of life. The comedy, which premieres on HKT’s small stage on 4 February, will have additional screenings in the spring and a continuation in the autumn season.
Paula, Eini, Erika and Sirkka call themselves the Roses. After all, they represent an alien species that is considered harmful, widows in their seventies. The friends’ weekly gatherings take an unexpected turn when Paula suggests trying Tinder. The four decide to give love a chance. When wishes are said out loud, life suddenly begins to respond to them.
Miika Muranen, who dramatised and directed the play, considers Pirjo Tuominen’s Kurtturuusut to be an exceptional work because of its perspective. The novel elevates four 70-year-old women as protagonists and depicts them differently than usual – not through illness or grandmotherhood, but from the perspective of friendship and the passion of life.
“It was great to tackle this feel-good work as a dramatist and director. We don’t see very many women of this age as active actors on the theatre stage, and yet there are a lot of them sitting in the auditoriums. I believe that there is a demand for this kind of performance.”
The director’s predictions seem to come true, as more performances have already been opened for sale for the spring. Due to high demand, the play will also be continued in the autumn season of 2026.
“It will be a warm-hearted comedy in which the four women decide to throw themselves into it once again and look for love in their lives. I dare to promise joy, warmth, laughter and even touch. May this performance of ours be a toast to all groups of friends, wonderful women and the courage to love!” Muranen describes.
The curly roses are Helena Haaranen, Sari Havas, Aino Seppo and Leenamari Unho. The other roles are played by Pekka Huotari, Lasse Karkjärvi, Santeri Kinnunen, Vappu Nalbantoglu and Mikko Vihma.
In addition to directing, Miika Muranen has also dramatised the work. The dramaturg has been Sanna Niemeläinen. The set design of the performance is by Katariina Kirjavainen, the costume design by Laura Dammert, and the lighting and video design by Mika Haaranen. The sound design is by Ville Leppilahti and the camouflage is designed by Aino Hyttinen.
Author Pirjo Tuominen can be met on Friday 6.2.2026 at 5.15 p.m. at the pre-party of the play Kurtturuusut in the foyer of the small stage. The doors to the foyer will be opened half an hour before the start of the event. Admission to the event is free.
Read the interview with director Miika Muranen on the theatre’s website: There is still time to love.Premiere of Roses 4.2.2026 on the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5).
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: Sari Havas, Aino Seppo, Leenamari Unho, Helena Haaranen. Photo: Otto-Ville Väätäinen
Further information, interview requests and media ticket requests:
Kaisa Pelkonen, Communications Manager, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788
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