People in the Storm of History
Muistopäivä (Day of Remembrance), written by Elli Salo and directed by Riikka Oksanen, tells the story of people who defected from Finland to the Soviet Union and disappeared during Stalin’s purges in the 1930s. In December 1931, just before the Gulf of Finland freezes over, a group of Finns departs from Tervasaari in a smuggler’s boat bound for the Soviet Union. Across the bay glimmers the promised land of the East—a society led by workers, offering jobs, bread, and a better future for all. But upon arrival, the migrants are met with a very different reality. Ordinary people, with their dreams and lives, are left at the mercy of a historical hurricane.
Muistopäivä is a powerful theatrical performance about extreme fates. It tells the story of people trying to live their everyday lives and create opportunities for themselves and their children—despite violence, oppression, and senseless cruelty. Even in a hopeless and pitch-dark situation, they refuse to give up hope, love, and humanity. Muistopäivä is a story of the past, but also of the present moment.
The play is entirely based on documentary material also used in historical research. The script was created using letters, diaries, memoirs, interviews, interrogation records, and personal files from the Central Detective Police—traces left behind by real people. Though fictional, the play seeks to create a polyphonic memory and to tell the story of individuals who truly existed and who deserve to be remembered.
The writing of the play was supported by Kone Foundation.
Production team
Cast Geoffrey Erista, Inke Koskinen, Pirjo Lonka, Annika Poijärvi, Marja Salo, Rasmus Slätis ja Miiko Toiviainen
Musicians Eva Louhivuori ja Ilkka Tolonen
Director Riikka Oksanen Playwright Elli Salo Set design Janne Vasama Costume design Saija Siekkinen Lighting and video design Ville Virtanen Music and sound design Eva Louhivuori ja Ilkka Tolonen Choreography Lasse Lipponen Make up design Saara Huuhtanen Dramaturg Minna Leino