Timo Ventola, a prominent director associated with the Joensuu City Theatre, has passed away at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by the theatre, which highlighted Ventola's extensive career directing plays from the 1980s until his retirement in 2009. His last directorial work before retirement was the play 'Puhdistuksen'.

In addition to his significant directorial contributions, Ventola remained active in the theatre community after his retirement by serving on the board of the North Karelia Theatre Association from 2014 to 2021. His dedication to the arts and influence over local theater was notable, as he contributed to the cultural landscape of Joensuu throughout his lifelong career.

Ventola's death marks the loss of a key figure in Finnish theatre, especially in the Joensuu area, where he had left a lasting impact through his creative work and community involvement. His legacy will likely inspire future generations of theatre practitioners in Finland.