Pekka Strang to play the lead role in the farce Ilmasta raha
Actor Pekka Strang has been chosen for the lead role in the farce Ilmasta raha at the Helsinki City Theatre. Strang, known for his strong farce and comedy skills, will replace Aku Hirviniemi, who left the play, and will return to HKT’s stage after a break of years.
“It’s great and relieving that we found an amazing comedian like Pekka for the role at such short notice. We are really happy to have such a master of farce and timing in our production on the big stage,” says Theatre Director Kari Arffman.
“The proposal came unsolicited and unexpectedly. I thought about it for a day and decided to accept the challenge. I’ve always loved good farces and it’s nice to return to a familiar company,” says Pekka Strang.
Pekka Strang is a Jussi Award-winning actor known for his film and TV roles and a strong theatrical career. She has acted in several roles at the Helsinki City Theatre in 2005–2019 and has worked as the artistic director of HKT’s Swedish-language stage, Lilla Teatern, from 2005 to 2014. The last time Strang guested in the lead role was in the City Theatre’s comedy Perfect Saturday in 2019. Since the spring of 2023, Strang has also appeared as a stand-up comedian.
Michael Cooney’s farce Ilmasta raha is directed by Sari Siikander , and the other roles are played by Helena Haaranen, Heidi Herala, Pekka Huotari, Risto Kaskilahti, Janne Kataja, Jari Pehkonen, Raili Raitala, Sanna Saarijärvi and Emilia Sinisalo.
Rehearsals for the play will begin on 4 December and the classic farce will premiere on 15 February 2024 on the big stage.
Ilmasta raha premiere on 15.2.2023 on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5).
Tickets: basic ticket €49, student ticket €24.50 (Mon-Thu) and pensioner ticket €46 (Mon-Thu).
#ilmastarahaa @hktfi
In the photo: Pekka Strang. Photographer: Elina Simonen.
Helsinki City Theatre’s ticket sales and customer service by phone (09) 394022 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket offices First line 2, Mon-Fri 12-17, Eläintarhantie 5, Sat (on performance days) 11-18 and one hour before the performance and Lippu.fi, Mon-Sat 9-21, Sun 10-18, tel. 0600 900 900 (2 €/min + local network charge) www.hkt.fi