Projects
Espoon teatteri Espoo Theatre is a theatre but is has also evolved into something beyond that. It has grown into a platform for new ways of thinking and become a vibrant meeting place for people, ideas, and societal and artistic influences. We continuously evolve our operations and engage in international projects in support of live performing arts and communities.
The Art of Customer Experience
In 2023, we launched a development project led by our marketing and communications team, based on the theatre's strategic goals. The aim was to introduce versatile service design expertise to our theatre, enhancing our ability to manage and strengthen our customer relationships. The project was titled “Espoo City Theatre: A Customer-Oriented Theatre for the Future.”
Our partner in the project was Hellon, whose website provides a more detailed overview of the project's progress and results.
&Fest - Focus Gent
The festival presented six current and varied performing arts productions from Belgium, all by major directors and hailing from of-the-moment theatres. The city of Gent’s values - united, offbeat, groundbreaking – are kin to Espoon teatteri’s values of seeking out newness, challenging the status quo, and coming together. Jointly, they were the inspiration for the festival.
&Fest – Focus Gent run 5 - 28 March, with performances on both of Espoon teatteri’s stages, and at Tanssin Talo (Dance House Helsinki). The festival is made possible by Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, with The City of Gent, and Flanders State of Art.
Love Simulation EVE and VR Theatre on Tour
he love simulation EVE is the world's first work that combines live actor performances and a VR world multiplayer environment. In a project made possible by the NextGenerationEU support from the Ministry of Education and Culture, a virtual reality performance has been created, with location-based segments being developed to suit content distribution. Tour performances with production models that best serve them are being created, and the technical requirements for bringing the VR experience to various locations are being explored. Developing a digital distribution model provides the opportunity to showcase VR works in other venues.
Virtual reality is an evolving form of media that combines cinematic storytelling, immersive world-building, and gamified interaction to create novel embodied experiences. The goal of this pioneering project is to map out a model for bringing high-quality performative VR art content into theatrical environments.
Centriphery
The Centriphery project was collaboratively produced by nine European cultural organizations between 2019 and 2023. Within the framework of the EU's Creative Europe program, the project aimed to facilitate collaboration between European artists and ordinary citizens in towns situated in peripheral areas.
The project's program included artistic residencies, art workshops for the local population, as well as the creation and performance of artworks. & collaborated with partners such as the Festival of Regions (Austria), New Culture Foundation (Bulgaria), Dansehallerne – Choreographic Center (Denmark), La Manufacture (France), Rijeka 2020 – European Capital of Culture (Croatia), Cultura Nova Festival (Netherlands), Walk & Talk Festival (Azores, Portugal), and Prin Banat in collaboration with Timisoara 2021 – European Capital of Culture (Romania).
Espoon teatteri Changes
For three decades, the idea of a new theatre building in Espoo has been taking shape. In this decade, that idea has taken a stride forward as the project plan for the new theatre house was approved by the Espoo City Council on November 21, 2022.
Our vision for 2027: Espoo Theatre, known as Espoon teatteri, has just unveiled its new stage next to the Espoo Cultural Centre. It has become a theatre that garners recognition and curiosity not only within Espoo, but also in Finland and on the international stage. With the advent of the new theatre building, Tapiola has emerged as a unique pioneer in the realm of performing arts across the entire country.
The new theatre rises alongside the existing Cultural Centre on Tapiola's Culture Square. This new venue offers a high international standard for performing arts, allowing for even more exceptional visiting performances to be brought to Finland. With the new theatre, the center of Tapiola transforms into a captivating cultural hub, inviting everyone to experience art up close and from afar. The new cultural hub – comprising Espoon teatteri, Espoo Cultural Centre, Culture Square, and the nearby EMMA museum – is a tremendous opportunity for Espoo.
"Espoo is a rapidly evolving city, and cultural spaces must evolve with its growth. It is crucial that Espoo Theatre finally gets the appropriate facilities." Susanna Tommila, Cultural Director of Espoo City.
The architectural design of the theatre is entrusted to ALA Architects, led by Chief Architect SAFA Juho Grönholm. ALA Architects are also behind Helsinki's latest landmark, the Oodi library. According to the current plans, the doors of the theatre will open to the public in 2027.
"Building a new theatre offers a brand-new opportunity for its operations. Now, it's finally the theatre's turn. Studies show that cultural investments in cities yield manifold returns. Every theatre-goer also spends a considerable amount on other regional services, such as restaurants and accommodations. Developing the Cultural Centre, the theatre, Culture Square, and its surroundings will enhance Espoo's appeal as a cultural city." Paula Viljakainen, Espoo City Councillor and Chair of the Board of Directors of Espoo City Theatre Foundation.
Perspective: Theatre is vitality
Espoo is destined to be an even stronger home for its diverse residents and a globally unique hub of innovation in the future. The future cultural center and its theatre play a significant role, in my point of view, as builders of community and sustainability. Espoo's aim is to be a leading city of enlightenment, which means that culture is deeply embedded in the everyday lives of Espoo residents.
Innovations and vitality revolve around radical, interdisciplinary creativity and collective efforts. The international guest theatre concept works exceptionally well and, to me, showcases the best of Espoo's mindset. Together, cultural institutions in the Tapiola area – Espoo Theatre, WeeGee, EMMA, and the Cultural Center along with other contributors – carry out important work for the betterment of Espoo and its residents.
The new Espoo Theatre, located within Espoo Cultural Center, becomes a part of Tapiola's national landscape and the city of gardens' intellectual heritage. In May 2023, Tapiola was awarded the national City Center of the Year accolade. I am delighted that after years of development, we have received confirmation that Tapiola remains an attractive and functional city center. The charming and vibrant Kulttuuriaukio (Culture Square) breathes new life into the heart of Tapiola even more.
I wish Espoo Theatre a future that is appealing both in content and operation!
Jukka Mäkelä
Mayor of Espoo
