Combining drama and comedy, Jerusalem is filled with verbal fireworks and colorful characters
On 1 February, Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem will premiere on the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre. The play, which has become an exceptional phenomenon around the world and has sparked a wide social debate, has been described as a modern British classic, and the work has also been chosen as the best play of the 2000s. The drama comedy directed by Pasi Lampela stars Santeri Kinnunen.
The play centers on Johnny “Rooster” Byron (Santeri Kinnunen), a former killer who has traveled the world and seen life, who lives outside the city in a caravan, in the forest that he claims to own. The city authorities disagree on forest management; They have decided to clear it to make way for a new residential area. During the traditional village festivals, St. George’s Day, both parties gather their strength for the final challenge. Johnny vows not to give up without a fight. He doesn’t want to give up his freedom or betray his motley group of friends who get to escape the harsh reality for a moment at his party.
“Have we forgotten something essential? Do we sacrifice our humanity and freedom to adapt to the different systems that govern our lives? Theatre can ask tricky questions. It can’t give absolute answers, but if we don’t ask, can anything change? In Jerusalem, those who are usually kept hidden are heard. They’re having a party and we’ve been invited. The going is rough, but there is more sense behind it all than one might assume. There will be eclectic stories, a stunning visual world and unapologetic acting from an ensemble that combines the freshness of youth with the power of experience. Hop on board, let’s go!”, says director Pasi Lampela.
Written by Jez Butterworth, Jerusalem had its critically acclaimed and audience-acclaimed premiere in London in 2009 and has achieved a reputation as a modern masterpiece in a short time. The play has also been seen on Broadway and now the play will have its Nordic premiere on HKT’s small stage. Jerusalem paints a shocking and contradictory picture of a divided modern world. In addition to social reflection, the play is also carnivalesquely funny and includes a lot of merriment and festive spirit.
The main role of the play is played by Santeri Kinnunen as Johnny “Rooster” Byron. The other roles are played by Rauno Ahonen, Lumi Aunio, Minni Gråhn, Markus Järvenpää, Jouko Klemettilä, Merja Larivaara, Alvar Lisko, Betadi Mandunga, Mitra Matouf, Ursula Salo, Niilo Sämpi, Mikko Virtanen, Alexander Wendelin and Joachim Wigelius.
The play is directed by Pasi Lampela. The set design was designed by Katariina Kirjavainen, the costumes by Sari Suominen and the make-up by Tuula Kuittinen. The lighting design is by Kari Leppälä and the sound design by Eradj Nazimov. The play has been translated into Finnish by Ari-Pekka Lahti, who also acts as the dramaturg of the work.
Writer and theatre director Pasi Lampela is one of the key names in Finnish theatre. He has written about twenty plays, which have been performed in e.g. at the National Theatre and the Helsinki City Theatre. In addition to his own plays, he has directed works by David Mamet, August Strindberg, Lars Norén, Ingmar Bergman, Tennessee Williams and Molière, among others. Lampela has written three collections of short stories and three novels, as well as several novel dramatisations. She has been one of the screenwriters of the crime series Cold-blooded You and Virta, and one of the artistic directors of Teatteri Jurkka, which was chosen as the Theatre of the Year in 2013. Lampela’s previous works at the Helsinki City Theatre include The End of Innocence (2003), The Team (2005), Geneva (2007), The Abyss (2009), Our Son (2011), Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage (2013), The General and Casanova (2016) and The Security Guard (2021).
Read the director’s interview on the theatre’s website: What does it say about society, what does it push outside?Jerusalem premiere on 1.2.2024 on the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5).
Tickets: basic ticket €41, student ticket €20.5 (Mon-Thu) and pensioner ticket €38 (Mon-Thu)
#jerusalem @hktfi
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
In the photo: Mitra Matouf, Santeri Kinnunen, Markus Järvenpää and Betadi Mandunga. Photographer: Otto-Ville Väätäinen.
Further information, media ticket reservations and interview requests:
Kaisa Pelkonen, Communications Manager, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788
Helsinki City Theatre, Ensi linja 2, 00530 Helsinki