Jotuni, a recent drama by Anneli Kanto and Heini Tola, tells the story of Maria Jotuni, a controversial author of her time, and her turbulent marriage. The difficult relationship between Maria Jotuni and her husband, literary scholar Viljo Tarkiainen (1879–1951), has remained a topic of discussion ever since Jotuni’s posthumously in 1963 published novel Huojuva talo ("Tottering House") caused a literary sensation.
Created in collaboration by Anneli Kanto and Heini Tola, Jotuni is a touching portrayal of an artist’s rocky path and an unhappy family. Drawing from facts but written as fiction, Jotuni does not build golden statues to be worshipped of its subjects, but instead presents them in full: in both good and bad, as sensitive, beautiful, and bitter.
Sari Puumalainen plays the title role of Jotuni, while Antti Pääkkönen portrays Tarkiainen. Their children are played by Ilja Peltonen and Heikki Pitkänen, and the family’s servant is portrayed by guest actress Anna Airola.
Production Team
Cast Anna Airola, Ilja Peltonen, Heikki Pitkänen, Sari Puumalainen, Antti Pääkkönen, Salla Markkanen
Playwright Anneli Kanto and Heini Tola Director Heini Tola Set design Katri Rentto Costume design Tarja Simone Music Salla Markkanen Choreographic consultation Marjo Kuusela Lighting design Kare Markkola Video design Paula Lehtonen Make-up design Petra Kuntsi