Mitämenoa

The Fifth Step

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 · 18:30 — Wed, 9 Dec 20:00

Suomen Kansallisteatteri, Helsinki

24-42€

theater date culture
The Fifth Step — Suomen Kansallisteatteri, Helsinki
Buy ticket

Directed by Janne Reinikainen, The Fifth Step brings David Ireland's acclaimed comedy to the National Theatre of Finland. The two-character play stars Paavo Kinnunen and Juho Milonoff.

Luka (Paavo Kinnunen) and Jarmo (Juho Milonoff) are recovering alcoholics who met at an AA meeting. Jarmo, recently sober, becomes Luka's sponsor and takes on the task of guiding the less experienced man along the path to sobriety. Without alcohol's disinhibition, Luka's life has become lonely - he fears being an incel because he cannot approach women while sober. Jarmo believes Luka needs above all a positive male role model.

When it comes time for Luka's fifth step, the task proves tricky. Can either man admit his worst failings with complete honesty? Moral self-examination drives them further apart - and when peer support turns to mockery, rock bottom is closer than ever.

Premiere 17.9.2025. Performances 10.11-9.12.2026, National Theatre of Finland, Taivassali. Tickets 24-42 €, duration 1 h 30 min without intermission. The performance is in Finnish, recommended age limit 15+.