Studio Pasila’s new product looks at the world through the eyes of a person with a memory disorder

The year begins with Florian Zeller’s award-winning black comedy Father (Le Père, 2012) at the Helsinki City Theatre’s studio in Pasila on 19 January. Translated into Finnish by Reita Lounatvuori and directed by Milko Lehto , the novelty deals with a tragedy familiar to many, a memory disorder, with a fresh touch.

From the point of view of a father who is falling ill, the play tells with warm humour how absurd everyday life can become when you have to start every day with a clean slate and everything familiar gradually disappears. The memory of the elderly Arne (Jari Pehkonen) has begun to falter. His daughter Anne (Vuokko Hovatta) visits him daily and, despite her father’s opposition, also hires a nanny. Would it be best for the father to move in with his daughter and her husband? Whose home is this, Anne’s or Arne’s? Who are these people and where is the other daughter, the nicer one, or does he just have this one daughter?

The father’s other roles are played by Helena Haaranen, Sesa Lehto, Heikki Sankari and Leenamari Unho. The set design is by Janne Siltavuori and the costume design is by Riitta Anttonen-Palo. The lighting designer is Teppo Saarinen and the sound designer is Ari-Pekka Saarikko. The camouflage was designed by Milja Mensonen.

The novels and plays of Florian Zeller (b. 1979), one of France’s most promising contemporary writers, have been translated into many languages. He made his international breakthrough with his play The Father, which has been awarded the Molière Prize for Best Play (2014) and will now be seen for the first time in Finland.

Premiere of The Father 19.1.2017 at the Helsinki City Theatre’s studio in Pasila (Ratamestarinkatu 5)
Tickets 17 € – 34 € (incl. service fee)