Turku will be the scene for an extremely exciting evening as a premiere from 127 ago is heard in Logomo. - HELSINGIN SANOMAT
In 2017 Turku celebrates two important anniversaries. The Finland 100 anniversary as well as the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, bringing to the city a diverse programme that reaches city residents and visitors regardless of age, wealth or areas of interest. Museums, galleries, theatres and stages all provide a packed programme, where you can find something for everyone. A HISTORY OF DRAMA – FROM PAST TO PRESENT
The turning points of Finnish independence are put into words and actions in Turku throughout the year. Performances are located all over the city, from the River Aura shores to the cosy alcoves of the city’s theatres. Science is a part of our everyday lives, and it explains a lot of things. The purpose of the first Finnish language university was to empower the nation and nourish its civilisation. Science and Theatre – With all the Senses is a dramatic show from Turku University’s Student Theatre about the past and present of Finnish science. Turku has, throughout its history, served as an important transport route and centre for industrial development. Aurajoella (On the Aura) is a theatre play sailing through Turku’s industrial history. The performance of the play by TEHDAS Theatre is seen in Forum Marinum’s courtyard. The play is based on a broadside ballad of the same name from the turn of the 20th Century. So what does Finland look like today? How have we come to be where we are now? At the Samppalinna Summer Theatre is the play August-July-June, a comedy about the changes in Finland and post-war history through the eyes of the baby-boom generation.
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The Sata Lasissa dance theatre play engages concepts of Finnish idenitity, Fennomania and fear of its antithesis, Svecomans, all in the same performance. Through this interpretation by 1 Dance Theatre Eri, the play looks at how these ideas and perspectives have developed over the last hundred years. The Finnish have always been able to enjoy life, contrary to popular belief. The comedy play from popular playwright Bengt Ahlfors entitled The Last Cigar tells the story of a retired headmaster, tired of his life and especially his wife. He claims his doctor has diagnosed him with a terminal illness, and under the pretense begins to live a hedonistic and enjoyable life. The play is part of the programme of the 2 Åbo Svenska Teater. On the Linnateatteri stage audiences can revisit the entire history of film, in a way unique to the comical stylings of Linnateatteri. Incorporated into the play are famous movie classics and turning points in Finnish filmmaking. Your capacity for laughter is pushed to the limits as the best-known scenes from Finnish films come together in The Incredible History of Film directed by Kalle Lamberg. 4
HIGH-QUALITY OPERA
Turku is profiled not only as a city of culture and music, but also a producer of high-class opera. The first ever through-composed, Kalevala-inspired opera, Die Kalewainen in Pochjola (The Men of Kalevala in the Northland), receives its world premiere as part of the Finland 100 anniversary – and where better than in Turku. In Logomo can be seen a series of six music performances from Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, led by chief conductor Leif Segerstam.