How to Become Tapio Rautavaara

When Syrian-born Youssef Asad Alkhatib arrived in Finland as a 16-year-old refugee, he found an unexpected friend in the songs of Tapio Rautavaara - in them he recognized something of himself. Since then, Alkhatib's dream has been to create a performance about Finnish culture and his complicated relationship with his idol. On Independence Day 2025, this dream came true at KOM Theatre.

The performance follows a wanderer who arrives with a smile, having heard about Finland and the world's happiest people. The language is foreign and the customs strange, but Rautavaara's songs show the way. When the wanderer learns that his idol was also an Olympic champion and film star, his ideals soar - and the question becomes: how far is he willing to go to be loved like the whole nation loves Tapsa?

On stage alongside Alkhatib is musician Taavi Hasunen. Text and direction by Otto Nyberg, whose "Julius - On a Distant Star Inside His Own Head" was awarded the Thalia Prize for Best Performance 2024. The premiere of KOM Theatre's original production took place at the Cable Factory's Turbine Hall on December 6, 2025.

Text and direction: Otto Nyberg
On stage: Youssef Asad Alkhatib and Taavi Hasunen
Costume design: Ella Aurora Snellman
Set design: working group
Lights and sound: Taavi Hasunen
Sewn/costume maker: Fiona Timantti

Performance language: Finnish | Duration: 60 min | Tickets: 20 / 15 € lippu.fi