A piece of local theater history has resurfaced in Kotka, Finland, following the discovery of a 40-year-old sign from the play 'Maratontanssit' in the attic of the renowned sailors' pub Cairo. The sign was in poor condition when found, with significant damage due to moisture and decay, raising doubts about its restoration. However, with the skillful intervention of Tuomas Penttilä, the stage master of the Kotka City Theater, and the use of supportive materials like plywood and wood glue, the sign was successfully preserved.

Typically, theater props are not saved, making the restoration of this sign a rare and fortunate occurrence. Penttilä emphasizes the importance of this artifact, asserting that it truly belongs on the walls of Cairo, where the shared history of the theater and the pub began. The sign has now taken on a ceremonial role in the restaurant's dining hall, serving as a bridge between the past and present.

The story of the sign is intrinsically linked to 'Maratontanssit,' which marked the beginning of the collaboration between the Kotka City Theater and the Cairo pub. This restoration not only highlights the value of preserving local cultural artifacts but also strengthens the connection between the community's artistic and social venues, celebrating their intertwined legacies.