A new theater has opened in Helsinki – director: "Audiences no longer have to sit in old IKEA chairs"
A new theater venue called Konepajan näyttämö has opened in Helsinki, providing a modern space for various performances and eliminating the discomfort of outdated seating.
The recently opened Konepajan näyttämö in Helsinki's Vallila area is set to revolutionize the local theater scene by gathering multiple professional theater companies under one roof. This new venue aims to host a variety of performances including politically incorrect plays, clowning, contemporary dance, stand-up events, and physical theater, while also accommodating concerts featuring local artists such as Tuomari Nurmio and Laura Voutilainen.
Operated by the theater collective Universum, which comprises four smaller professional theaters, Konepajan näyttämö offers a marked improvement over their previous location in a former church hall in Punavuori where issues such as poor acoustics and outdated electrical setups posed significant challenges. One of the directors, Sanna Hietala from Aurinkoteatteri, expressed her enthusiasm for the new venue’s facilities and modern theater technology, highlighting how they eliminate the need for improvised solutions that the previous site required.
With the opening of this cutting-edge theater, audiences in Helsinki can look forward to an enhanced cultural experience that promises not only comfort but also a diverse range of performances. The investment in a professional setting reflects a growing appreciation for the arts in Finland and signals a boost in opportunities for both performers and audiences alike in the rapidly evolving theater landscape.