Liila Jokelin’s and Eva Buchwald’s fresh adaptation of L. Onerva’s decadent literary classic is a compelling story about the pursuit of freedom and inner truth.
Mirdja has two sides: one lives, the other haunts.
As a young woman, Mirdja throws herself headlong into life. She revels in art, freedom, and love, refusing to commit herself to anything or anyone. For her untamed spirit, society’s conventions and its narrow view of a woman’s role are poison.
As an older woman, Mirdja keeps company with ghosts. Now a lonely widow, she looks back on the life she has lived. What remains of all those adventures in the whirlwinds of love and art? Should one regret what one has done in life, or what was left undone? Is it even possible for a person to shape their own destiny, or is life forever subject to circumstances, heredity, and the powers of gods or stars?
First published in 1908 by the Finnish Literature Society (SKS), L. Onerva’s debut novel Mirdja is a rare gem of Finnish literature: a decadent novel that tells the story of a woman passionately searching for her true self. A woman who rejects conventional roles and embraces her sexuality was a subject that caused considerable controversy among contemporary audiences. At its core, the novel explores female identity, the need to be seen, and the quest for self-determination. At the same time, it expands into a universal drama that confronts the timeless questions of human existence.
Premiering for the first time at the Finnish National Theatre, Mirdja is a striking and elegant stage production in which visual imagery, music, and choreographed movement merge with luminous performances. Mirdja is portrayed at different stages of her life by Inke Koskinen and Kristiina Halttu. The adaptation has been written by Eva Buchwald, who recently also translated the original novel into English (Mirdja: A Decadent New Woman, 2025). Mirdja marks the Finnish National Theatre directorial debut of Liila Jokelin, known as a director, writer, dramaturg, and musician.
World Premiere, Small Stage, 25 November 2026
Performance rights are administered by the Finnish Cultural Foundation.
Production Team
Cast Kristiina Halttu, Kasper Korpela, Aksa Korttila, Inke Koskinen, Esa-Matti Long, Pyry Nikkilä, Ilja Peltonen, Timo Tuominen
Direction Liila Jokelin Dramatisation Eva Buchwald Set Design Salli Kari Costume Design Riikka Mäntymaa Lighting and Video Design Elli Maria Kujansuu Music Veli-Ville Sivén Sound Design Jani Peltola Choreography Niina Rajaniemi Make-Up Design Joonas Lampi