The Theatre of the Year award, granted by the Finnish Theatre Association, was presented at the Thalia Gala on 24th March. The Theatre of the Year was chosen by journalist and documentary maker, Sean Ricks.
Ricks explains his choice, among other things, as follows:
"& Espoo Theatre are what they claim to be: the most international theatre in Finland. With their activities, structure, and repertoire, they have dared to challenge what theatre should be. They bring bold and challenging works from around the world but also take Finnish theatre and artists abroad. They do not hesitate to take on the mantle of social debaters and promote what theatre and art, in general, should be: the heart of society and a sharp conscience. & Espoo Theatre raises the tantalising question: what will they come up with next?"
We have made history by being the first theatre to be awarded Theatre of the Year for the second time, the first time being in 2011.
We will continue our relentless work
"The Theatre of the Year Award is a great recognition because it is given to the whole theatre", says Matilda von Weissenberg, our managing director.
"We have had relatively difficult years, but we have persevered in renewing the theatre and taking risks. At times it has felt as if all that work has been invisible. But now someone has noticed, and that means a lot to us."
The persistent work has paid off. Our artistic director Jussi Sorjanen promises that we will not compromise on our approach in the future:
"We will continue to go international, make bold programming choices, engage in an open dialogue with audiences, and strive to renew our understanding of theatre and its possibilities."
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