The Ministry of Education and Culture awarded & Espoo Theatre the Finland Award with a certificate of honor on Tuesday, October 21. The awards were decided by Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie. & is one of the ten award winners.
The award is justified as follows:
& Espoo Theatre has been a pioneer in producing an ambitious and diverse international programme. The theatre offers audiences performances that transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries. Most of the performances are subtitled in Finnish and English, as well as in selected other languages, which makes the theatre an exceptionally important player in promoting accessible and inclusive art.
In addition to its domestic programme, & Espoo Theatre brings high-quality international productions to Finland that challenge the audience and enrich Finnish cultural life. The ensemble is constantly evolving, and diverse guest performances contribute to an artistically interesting programme. The theatre serves as a bridge builder between different cultures, while simultaneously breaking down boundaries and taboos. The theatre deserves recognition for its courage to act in a way that promotes dialogue and makes room for different perspectives.
“This award proves that sometimes it pays to take risks and dare to go against the grain,” says Matilda von Weissenberg, Managing Director of &.
"Since our brand renewal, we have consciously focused on domestic premieres, top-level international guest performances, and co-productions."
"Art and culture are the cornerstones of humanity and democracy. Without them, people cannot connect with their past – or their future," says Jussi Sorjanen, Artistic Director of &.
“From this starting point, we strive to work with the most inspiring and distinctive artists and theatres in Finland and internationally. The result is a programme where you don’t have to like every performance – but you have to see them.”
Established in 1993, the Finland Prize recognises a distinguished career in the arts, an exceptional artistic achievement, or a promising breakthrough.
In the photos: Technical Director Heikki Örn, Espoo Cultural Director Susanna Tommila, Sales and Marketing Director Karoliina Kiviluoto, Managing Director Matilda von Weissenberg, and Artistic Director Jussi Sorjanen.
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