A short episode in the universal history of the mushroom civilization

The show consists of nine stories about the victories and defeats of the human species, monitored by a solitary neural network, recorded in mushroom language and carefully stored in the depths of the mycelial library. But not to worry, the Fungi.net translation engine translates everything into understandable human language.

The exhilarating and powerful visual performance creates surprising connections between creatures, phenomena and possible events. It invites the audience to imagine what the future could be like. It also tempts us to ask: what if the future is already here?

The text is written by Mikhail Durnenkov, one of the most prominent contemporary Russian playwrights. His plays have been translated into numerous languages ​​and performed all over Europe. The performance is directed by Essi Rossi, a versatile new generation theatre director and dramaturg known for her precise rhythm and cinematic approach. The set is designed by Ksenia Peretrukhina, a renowned set designer, theater maker and visual artist whose work has been seen in numerous performances and exhibitions in Russia and elsewhere. Both Durnenkov and Peretrukhina are multi-awarded artists in Russia, who currently live in exile.

In this first collaborative stage work of this group nothing is impossible and the boundaries of reality are in constant bustling motion. Sound design is by Pauli Riikonen, costume design by Liisa Pesonen and light design by Ilmari Paananen. On stage are Carl Alm, Antonia Atarah, Elmer Bäck, Milla Kangas, and Kauri Sorvari.

Co-production by Espoo City Theatre and Klockriketeatern. Premiere in Revontuli Hall 31st of January, 2023.

Behind the scenes presentations

Would you like to hear more about the background of the play? Low-key presentations on the production are organized at the Espoo City Theater on four evenings prior to the performances. Bar Juoru is open from 6 pm and the presentations begin at 6:15 pm.

Wed Feb 1st presentation in English
Tue Feb 7th presentation in Finnish
Tue Feb 14th presentation in Russian
Thu Feb 16th presentation in Swedish

Meet the artist

On Wed Feb 8th, 7 pm after the performance you are welcome to join as director Essi Rossi and author Mikhail Durnenkov discuss the play and answer questions from the audience. The language of discussion is English, but questions are welcome in Finnish, too. Bar Juoru is open after the performance.

These events are free of charge.

Working Group

Playwright and Dramaturg Mikhail Durnenkov
Translator Anni Lappela
Director Essi Rossi
Set Design Ksenia Peretrukhina
Sound Design Pauli Riikonen
Costume design Liisa Pesonen
Light and video design Ilmari Paananen
On stage Carl Alm, Antonia Atarah, Elmer Bäck, Milla Kangas, Kauri Sorvari and Auri Hannus, Magda Lehtonen, Monika Lehtonen, Ruut Neves, Luna Rinkinen
Rehearsal photos Darina Rodionova

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