The Groke It Wants to be at the Helsinki City Theatre – the enduring hit of the 80s, The Groke Opera, is back
After the premieres in January and February, the Helsinki City Theatre’s spring season continues with a fantasy fairy tale for the whole family, when Marjatta Pokela’s (1925-2002) classic The Groke Opera takes over the small stage on 22 March. In the spring, Lilla Teatern will feature Egenmäktigt menetlus, based on Lena Andersson’s (b. 1970) August Prize-winning novel, as well as interesting guest performances.
The classic “Groke se lähti piiriin” and other hits of the Groke Opera that have carried over generations will be played on the small stage from 22 March. The fantasy fairy tale, written and composed by Marjatta Pokela, is directed by Kimmo Virtanen. The music for the whole family’s performance is arranged and implemented by multi-instrumentalist Lauri Schrek, and the choreographies are created by Jyrki Karttunen. The set and costumes for the fairytale classic are designed by Alisha Davidow.
The role of Mörö is played by the magnificent Sanna Majuri and the other roles are played by Sari Haapamäki, Sofia Hilli, Tiina Peltonen, Leena Rapola, Heikki Sankari and Marjut Toivanen.
The Groke, who came from the forest, appears among the children and adventures from Oulu to Helsinki, eventually ending up back in his place of residence in the fairytale land of Mökkyrä. The Curious Groke takes us on a journey where we look at the world around us through the eyes of a child and understand the importance of pure nature and the diversity of human life.
With fun characters, fast-paced dancing and captivating music and singing, this amazing adventure is suitable for everyone aged four and up.
Lilla Teatern’s spring continues on 15 March with Egenmäktigt menetlus (2013, based on the August Prize-winning novel by Swedish author Lena Andersson). Arbitrary Procedure, 2014). The cutting comedy, dramatised by Karin Parrot-Jonzon , is directed by Ann-Luise Bertell, and the set and costumes are designed by Antti Mattila.
The main character of the play, Ester Nilsson, is a sensible person in a sensible relationship. He keeps up with the times, knows what he wants and trains purposefully for the next marathon. When she is seduced by the artist Hugo Rask, love robs her of her sanity. If Hugo doesn’t love him, then why did he seduce him? And once they’ve spent the night together, doesn’t he even deserve an answer?
Linda Zilliacus plays Ester Nilsson, who has become one of the iconic characters of the 2010s. She is a modern, independent and strong woman who refuses to feel guilty but gives in to her obsession. The other roles in the play are played by Emilia Nyman, Johan Fagerudd and Anja Bargum.
Lillan will also feature three interesting guest performances during the spring. The immersive theatre performance 35 jag och några akarare, a collaboration between the Finnish theatre group Blaue Frau, the Swedish Poste Restante and five Nordic female actors, will premiere at Lilla Teatern on 16 February. After Helsinki, the performance will continue on tour to the other Nordic countries. The Finnish actors in the working group are Sonja Ahlfors, Joanna Wingren and Lidia Bäck, as well as Pia Runnakko in Lillan’s performances.
Bengt Ahlfors‘ beloved Den sista cigarren, which premiered at the Helsinki City Theatre in 2004 and starred Lasse Pöysti, will visit Lilla Teatern on 21 March as a production of Åbo Svenska Teatern. Directed by Jukka Aaltonen, the comedy stars Thomas Backlund, Amanda Nyman, Monica Nyman and Bror Österlund.
Finlandsvenska teatern’s Locker Room Talk, which combines classical theatre, magic, stand-up and drag, will visit Lilla Teatern on 21 April. Under the direction of award-winning Philipp Stengele, Kim Gustafsson, Jonas Kippersund and Marc Svahnström will be seen on stage, with Patrik Komorowski as pianist.
During the spring, the City Theatre will also offer theatre lovers a variety of public events, such as behind-the-scenes tours once a month on Wednesdays, artist meetings and Coffee with a Writer event led by actors Heidi Herala, Aino Seppo and Eija Vilppas .
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Next premieres at the Helsinki City Theatre:
Shakespeare in Love 25.1.2018 on the big stage, dir. Kari Arffman
Summer book 31.1.2018 Lilla Teatern
Don’t Dress Up for Dinner 2.2.2018 Arena Stage, dir. Jaakko Saariluoma
Price 1.2.2018 on a small stage, dir. Paavo Westerberg
No thanks 7.2.2018 studio in Pasila, dir. Mira Kivilä
More, please! 12.2.2018 Studio in Pasila, dir. Otto Kanerva and working group
Arbitrary storage 15.3.2018 Lilla Teaternissa, dir. Ann-Luise Bertell
The Groke Opera 22.3.2018 on a small stage, dir. Kimmo Virtanen
Visits
35 me and some actors 16.2.2018 Lilla Teaternissa
The Last Cigar 21.3.2018 Lilla Teaternissa, dir. Jukka Aaltonen
Locker Room Talk 21.4.2018 Lilla Teaternissa, dir. Philipp Stengele
Public events
- Eija Vilppa’s guest is author Annina Holmberg 15.2.2018 at 5 p.m., foyer of the main stage
- Heidi Herala with authors Sinikka and Tiina Nopola 15.23.2018 at 5 p.m., foyer of the main stage
- Aino Seppo’s guest Tommi Kinnunen 19.4.2018 at 5 p.m., in the foyer of the main stage
Shakespeare in Love Artist Meeting 23.1.2018 at 17.30 Director Kari Arffman talks about the performance, foyer of the main stage