The Groke Opera plays again at the Helsinki City Theatre

Marjatta Pokela’s (1925-2002) beloved Groke Opera will be staged as a new, fresh adaptation for the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre. Everyone who lived in the 80s will be familiar with “Groke se lähti piiriin” and other hits of the Groke Opera that will carry over generations will be played on the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre from 22 March.

Written and composed by Marjatta Pokela, the classic has been adapted for the stage by dramaturg Merja Turunen and the director of the play, Kimmo Virtanen, who is remembered for HKT’s beloved children’s plays Escape from Kindergarten (2014), Siiri and the Messy Kerttu (2015) and AtomiAatos (2016).

“The story of the Groke Opera unfolds without words, using music, singing and movement. The performance relies on the classic songs from the Groke Opera album, the new arrangements of which feature influences from both mechanical pop music and folk music, without forgetting the original roots of music. A musical worm digging out of a giant apple is solely responsible for making the music on stage. His main instrument is the kantele, but at times it magically sounds like there is a big orchestra on stage,” says Kimmo Virtanen.

The new arrangements of the music will be made by multi-instrumentalist Lauri Schreck, who will also create the music in the performances. The fantasy fairy tale of the business world, which draws on slapstick and silent films, has been designed by choreographer Jyrki Karttunen, known from Pippi Longstocking and Fairy Counsellor Koo, among others. The enchanting saddle set and delicious fantasy costumes are designed by Alisha Davidow. The camouflage was designed by Jutta Kainulainen. William Iles is responsible for the lighting design and Aleksi Saura for the sound design.

The main role, the Groke himself, is played by Sanna Majuri, who is familiar from many HKT musicals (e.g. Katri Helena, Tarzan, Dance of the Vampires). 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.

Premiere of the Groke Opera 22.3.2018 on the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5)
Tickets 18 € – 39 €