Rautavaara

TIMO RUUSKANEN, RIIHIMÄKI THEATRE & TEATTERI AVOIMET OVET

Written by Timo Ruuskanen
Director and dramaturgy consultant Olka Horila

Who was Tapio Rautavaara? What can we learn from him today? A monologue piece written and performed by Timo Ruuskanen tells the story of a poor, working-class boy who became a top athlete, actor, singer and a traveling national treasure.

Using Rautavaara’s life as a mirror, the play reflects today’s political tensions and the problems of artistic creators. What does it mean when a nation is divided? How to live with the divide, and how to break down the wall that separates the people? Rautavaara grew up being called a Red Guard kid. Later on he steered clear of political divisions and wanted to be a performer for all audiences.

The production features many of Rautavaara’s beloved songs.

”A humane and funny profile of a phenomenon, who may have been the last true people’s hero.”
Veli-Pekka Leppänen, Kansan Uutiset