National Competition: Human Factor

Spring returns, and with it, young Vilma’s fifth attempt at the Helsinki Theatre Academy. Every year, as the snow melts, the Monster reappears—a shadow of soft, dark anxiety that teaches her to fear her own ambitions. Vilma drifts through the days seeking guidance from mediums, talking to her reflection, and dreaming of the career of the actress Seidi Haarla. Good Night Monster is a humorous yet delicate portrait of a young mind fraying under pressure. 

In surrr naks klik Person loses the cassette recorder that has served as their voice since childhood and even the most ordinary social situations become overwhelming. While searching for a replacement, they are forced to confront their past and find their own voice. 

Feeling Defensive (Part 1) emerged from Takala’s experience attending the National Defence Course – an invite-only training organised by the Finnish military to rally support for national defence and foster preparedness for crises and war. Based on a conversation with a fellow course participant, political scientist Johanna Vuorelma, the work observes how the course is designed to influence not only its participants but also the society beyond its immediate scope.

In A Part Unwritten Niina, a struggling drama teacher, receives an unusual request from her boss: to deliver a eulogy at his father’s funeral in his place. Desperate for an opportunity to perform, she finds herself considering the absurd proposition.

Too Blue a Sky is a story about money, power, exploitation and many possible ends to the world. Some people yearn for Mars, others for Heaven. Some dance the humppa on the Moon. In this short, tragicomic play, each of us has our own little part.