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Leevi Madetoja

The Ostrobothnians

Duration
3 H 10 min, incl. 2 intervals
When
22.11.2024 – 4.1.2025
Where
Main Stage
Genre
Opera
Price range
21–138 €
Language
Finnish. Surtitles in Finnish, Swedish and English
Age recommendation
12+

Comedy and tragedy collide in Finland’s ‘national’ opera

Finland, the world’s happiest country, has also been dubbed the land of thousands of sad songs: violence, alcoholism and inequality lurk in the shadows of the Nordic welfare society.

Leevi Madetoja’s (1887–1947) The Ostrobothnians (”Pohjalaisia”) is often called Finland’s national opera, and rightly so. It’s a story about persistence, human rights, and freedom. Pohjalaisia was first performed in 1924. A century later, it reminds us of the timeless nature of stories that stir the human soul. The melodic music of the opera appeals to the emotions with its wistful undertones.

Now, The Ostrobothnians has been reinterpreted by some of Finland’s leading creatives. Paavo Westerberg, known for his work in film and TV, transitions his first opera production impactfully between scenes with powerful imagery. The intriguing staging is set against the backdrop of a potato field.

”The Ostrobothnians is a timeless opera about who we are and who we have been across the ages. It examines the world through a hundred-year kaleidoscope, posing questions about freedom and tyranny, enslavement and compassion, vigilante justice, and the value of humanity today. What is the price of a dignified life? What values do we pass on to future generations? What kind of world will we leave behind?

At a time when justice, human rights, and equality cannot be taken for granted, this century-old work feels deeply, even startlingly, relevant.”

– paavo westerberg, director

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      synopsis

      In a small village on the Ostrobothnian plains, the Sheriff, an imperious law enforcement officer, maintains order through violence, humiliating the local peasants. Antti’s escape from Harri’s house on his way to prison triggers a series of events that elevate freedom above life itself.

      Full synopsis and other background information can be found in the programme leaflet.

      Gallery

      creative team

      Music
      Leevi Madetoja
      Libretto after a play by Artturi Järviluoma
      Leevi Madetoja
      Conductor
      Kaapo Ijas
      Director
      Paavo Westerberg
      Sets
      Erlend Birkeland
      Costumes
      Maria Geber
      Lighting design
      Ellen Ruge
      Choreography
      Klevis Elmazaj

      cast

      Erkki Harri
      Jukka Rasilainen
      Jussi Harri
      Ville Rusanen
      Jussi Harri
      Jussi Vänttinen
      Maija Harri
      Johanna Lehesvuori
      Maija Harri
      Maria Turunen
      Liisa
      Iida Antola
      Antti Hanka
      Markus Nykänen
      Antti Hanka
      Johannes Vatjus
      Sheriff
      Tuomas Pursio
      Lay Judge
      Aarne Pelkonen
      Bridge bailiff
      Sampo Haapaniemi
      Bridge bailiff
      Visa Kohva
      Scribe
      Roland Liiv
      Köysti of Karjanmaa
      Marko Nykänen
      Köysti of Karjanmaa
      Aapo Kilpelä
      1st herdsgirl
      Emma Mustaniemi
      2nd herdsgirl
      Elisaveta Rimkevitch
      Little thug
      Heikki Hattunen
      Kylänpoika
      Arto Hosio
      Kylänpoika
      Tuomas Lehtinen
      Kylänpoika
      Markus Nieminen
      Kylänpoika
      Juha Pikkarainen

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