The Finnish National Theatre, founded in 1872, is the oldest professional theatre in Finland. It occupies a striking National Romantic building on Railway Square, designed by Onni Tarjanne and completed in 1902. The theatre runs several stages, staging Finnish classics alongside new drama.
theaterin progress
Esa Leskinen's historical drama about Finland's struggle to preserve democracy during the Cold War. Urho Kekkonen is the central character, portrayed by Janne Reinikainen and Vesa Vierikko at different ages.
lecturein progress
The National Theatre and WSOY host a discussion series where writers and theatre meet. Five evenings from September through December.
theaterin progress
Six women compete in a reality-TV theatre show on the National Theatre's main stage. Kristian Smedsin's new production blends anarchist comedy with reality-TV format.
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Two actresses interpret Nobel laureate Imre Kertesz's novel about a lost book, memory, and European history. A psychological thriller exploring the search for a hidden work.
theaterin progress
Martti Suosalo plays the interstellar soldier Starman, who arrives on Earth to intervene in humanity's biodiversity crisis. Raila Leppäkoski's minimalist monologue explores the state of nature and humanity's future.
theaterin progress
A sharp comedy about two recovering alcoholics whose AA sponsorship relationship unravels as moral self-examination pushes them toward crisis.
theaterin 2 days (36 days)
A classic tale of a magical gnome and a secret pearl comes to life on the National Theatre's main stage. Follow the Master Gnome's adventure through enchanted worlds filled with mystery and danger.
concert19:00Timo Tuominen performs Jacques Brel's classic chansons at the National Theatre. The programme features both well-known and newly translated songs, accompanied by musicians.
theater(20 days)
Youth National Theatre presents "if we are asked", where young people from different countries collaborate with experienced artists. The production explores language, truth and tradition across multiple languages.
theater18:30A performance featuring Finnish war and peace poetry from the 1940s to today, exploring how poetry has helped people navigate fear and hope for the future.
concert18:00Esko Salminen performs his favourite poems on the National Theatre's main stage. The programme spans from García Lorca to Shakespeare.
musical13:00The troll Puluboi takes children and families on a musical adventure with friends Minimilla and Poni in this beloved classic from the National Theatre.
theater(37 days)
Two childhood sweethearts meet on a train after twenty years. A new play about old loves and the dreams that never came true.
theater(9 days)
Actor Miiko Toiviainen performs a personal monologue about his transgender experience and journey to self-acceptance. A poetic and musical performance that won the National Monologue Competition.
theater(10 days)
Youssef Asad Alkhatib's monologue about his own life - displacement, identity, and the fierce determination to become an actor.
theater(40 days)
A monologue play about Finnish poet Eino Leino's love interests, written by Pinja Hahtola and directed by Seppo Honkonen. An award-winning production exploring the poet's romantic history.
theater(59 days)
Two brothers live in isolation in North Philadelphia until a valuable guest named Harold changes their fate. The National Theatre presents Orphans, a drama about freedom, brotherhood, and violence.
concert(62 days)
Timo Tuominen performs rare early songs by Jacques Brel with guitar. An intimate evening exploring the chanson master's multifaceted youthful work.
concert(8 days)
Actress Sara Melleri sings her father's poetry accompanied by pianist Anna-Mari Kähärä. A musical evening with compositions that move from late-night solitude to the streets of Paris.
theater(32 days)
Remembrance Day is a Finnish theatre production about Finns who emigrated to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and became victims of Stalin's terror.
theater(87 days)
Tiina Puumalainen's new drama Lady T explores the meeting between Margaret Thatcher and a hotel worker. The play portrays Britain's first female prime minister - a powerful leader who remained distant from her children.