Hop to freedom!
Arto Paasilinna’s most beloved work now, for the first time, on stage at the Finnish National Theatre – directed by Kristian Smeds!
Kaarlo Antero Vatanen is on the verge of a breakdown.
Even though he has a job, money, and a spouse, he feels utterly numb.
Life leads Vatanen to Hare💩😎 – and his fate is forever altered.
A peculiar journey begins taking the man and Hare to squares and fairs, to woods in the back of beyond, and onto life’s sidings.
To Arto Paasilinna’s Finland where the happiest and the most curious of people in Europe live.
The Year of the Hare is a zany, heartfelt, and plaintive theatrical fairy tale for adults about freedom and incredible twists of fate. In Kristian Smeds’ hands, the work evolves into a warm and humane celebration that invites all Hare-brained citizens and other hidden intellectuals to join in the fun. The comedy stands tall on the robust shoulders of its stellar cast: Tommi Korpela features in the lead as Vatanen, Marja Salo is Hare😊, with Heikki Pitkänen, Sari Puumalainen, and Juha Varis completing the set.
Arto Paasilinna’s novel The Year of the Hare was first published by Weilin & Göös in 1975. Since then, countless editions have been published by several publishers, and the novel has been translated into 30 languages.
Premiere on the Main Stage on October 16th, 2024
The play’s performance rights are managed by Nordic Drama Corner Ltd.
Production Team
Cast Tommi Korpela, Heikki Pitkänen, Sari Puumalainen, Marja Salo, and Juha Varis
Director Kristian Smeds Stage design Kati Lukka Costume design Auli Turtiainen Lighting and video design Ville Seppänen Sound design Hanna Rajakangas Make up design Minttu Minkkinen Assistant to the director Marta Jakovski