We didn’t choose a topic, a topic chose us
This is a representation of those who were deprived of everything and who were given nothing. About those who were silent, and about whom they were silent. Of those who were forgotten and then forgotten. This is a story of lifelong shame, a performance of those who were left unasked. The innocents of our civil war are already gone. These children and widows no longer exist. What remained were the serious faces of grainy photographs, fading entries in archives, and miles of dark but silent DNA in the backbone of our nation. Secrets without listening ears.
We theatre makers cannot claim to be anyone’s voice, and we do not even have the right to do so. Nevertheless, it is our duty to strive to provide it. Because as long as there are untold stories, silenced mouths and shame taken to the grave, theatre has a mission, a place and a meaning in this society.
This is one of those stories.
Thank you for coming to the theatre.
This performance is made just for you.
Piupalipaupali
Lauri Maijala in the programme of the play Red Orphans