Minna Lindgren’s hit novel The Angry Widow for the stage
The autumn season on the main stage of the Helsinki City Theatre continues with the premiere of The Angry Widow , based on Minna Lindgren’s popular novel (2018), on 10 October. Dramatised by Henna Piirto and directed by Kimmo Virtanen, this life-like drama comedy recognisably tells the story of Finland’s most growing age group, those over 70 years of age. The main role is played by Riitta Havukainen.
The main character of the play, Ulla-Riitta Rauskio, aka Ullis (Riitta Havukainen), has lived her whole life as a decent person should: married, had two children, taken care of the home and worked, and for the last 12 years she has been a caregiver for her husband. The marriage did not bring happiness, but when the spouse dies, a new life begins. A group of friends from his youth get back together and guide Ullis through senior discos, hot yoga and surprise dates. Is a person over seventy allowed to have fun or does his place be in a nursing home?
“In The Angry Widow , the perspective is that of a woman over 70 years old. He is not seen from the point of view of society, children or grandchildren, but as an independent person who longs for love and intimacy. The play reminds us that a person does not change from a subject to an object as they get older, a person over the age of 70 is not just a burden on society or a grandparent who secures the future of children,” says director Kimmo Virtanen.
The Angry Widow is an age group that author Minna Lindgren describes with the term “seenager”, which unites teenagers and seniors. They have everything teenagers dream of: their own apartment and car, a regular income without a job, and no fear of pregnancy.
In addition to Riitta Havukainen in the role of Ullis, the other roles in the play include Kai Lehtinen, Pia Runnakko, Eija Vilpas, Sari Haapamäki, Sanna-June Hyde, Kirsi Karlenius, Martti Manninen, Kari Mattila, Leena Rapola, Heikki Sankari, Marjut Toivanen, Kaisa Torkkel and Vesa Wallgren.
The set design is by Katariina Kirjavainen, the costumes by Elina Vättö and the choreography by Jari Saarelainen. The lighting design is by Mika Ijäs and the sound design by Jaakko Autio. The camouflage was designed by Jutta Kainulainen.
Premiere of The Angry Widow 10.10.2019 on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5)
20 € – 45 € (incl. pm.)
Helsinki City Theatre ticket office, Ensi linja 2, Mon-Fri 9 am – 5.30 pm, Eläintarhantie 5 Sat 11 am – 7 pm and one hour before the performance and Lippupiste Mon-Sat 9 am – 9 pm, Sun 10 am – 6 pm, tel. 0600 900 900 (2 €/min + local network charge)
www.hkt.fi
Press photos can be found in the image bank and press releases in the newsroom.
Further information, media ticket reservations and interview requests: Helsinki City Theatre, Communications Manager Kaisa Pelkonen, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788
Helsinki City Theatre, Ensi linja 2, 00530 Helsinki