The Dynamic World of Finnish Theatre : An Introduction to its History, Structures and Aesthetics

This book will provide an introduction to Finnish theatre and culture for foreign scholars and students. It includes a general introduction, and an overview of the history and aesthetics of Finnish theatre and its role in society. The book consists of an introduction and five chapters. The first chapter will provide a general theatre history of Finland, from its origins to the present. The second chapter will contribute a detailed history of the creation and development of the National Theatre until independence (1872 to 1917). The third chapter will discuss the performance tradition and canonization of national and foreign plays in Finland, e.g., the dramaturgy, directing styles, acting, scenography and technology involved in the general aesthetic developments in Finnish theatre. It will assess the importance of national writers such as Kivi, Canth, Jotuni and Wuolijoki, as well as the classics: the ancient Greek dramatists, Shakespeare, Ibsen, Strindberg, Shaw, Chekhov, and Brecht as part of this performance history. Chapter four will trace the development of the Finnish theatre system (such as funding, personnel, training, amateur drama, and the nature and types of theatre buildings and companies). Chapter five will discuss the Finnish plays and operas (such as those by Sallinen who has achieved great international acclaim) that have been produced abroad. Text in English. 182 pp. Slight rubbing on covers.…