An Evening on the Riviera with Olavi Paavolainen

Greta Tuotanto's "An Evening on the Riviera with Olavi Paavolainen" transports audiences to the warmth of the Mediterranean, blending poetry, music, dramatic scenes, and cultural history. A narrator (Anna Kortelainen) guides the audience through the story via words and images.

The performance features the letters and passionate poems of writer Olavi Paavolainen (Joel Mäkinen), brought to life by stories and enchanting French music. Dramatic scenes unfold between a fictional Russian emigrant, a pension keeper (Reetta Ristimäki), and Paavolainen.

The music draws from early twentieth-century art music and popular hits of the era. Works by Poulenc, Debussy, and Fauré are featured, alongside pieces by Maurice Chevalier and Mistinguette. Joel Mäkinen also composes two songs set to Paavolainen's poems.

Writer Olavi Paavolainen first traveled to France in April 1927. He was quite cool - a young dandy, just 23 years old. His destination was Nice.

The following year he returned to the Riviera at the last moment before military service. The homesick dandy sent letters to friends that alternated between swagger and honesty.

Aino Acktén Villa

5.7.2026

16.00-17.10

Tickets 35€ from the box office

Concert café opens 1 hour before the performance begins