This is the reality. The rest is Illusion.
"Like, seriously.
I mentally and physically hate every single thing about you.
But I love you."
In a remote bus station, passengers are stranded waiting for a bus. This agonizing wait carries on through the night. The travelers must tolerate circumstances and people they did not choose. They must negotiate what matters.
My Mind is a Beast is a performance created by the National Youth Theatre, and asks how can strangers in a public space connect. How can they find sanctuary amidst a storm of adversity? Who is accountable for private and civic property?
Finnish National Youth Theatre is an ensemble of young artists expanding who makes theatre and who it is for. The performers of My Mind is a Beast have roots in Afghanistan, Finland, Kurdistan, Somalia and Syria. These young people have come together to make art with experienced artists.
Premiere at Omapohja Stage 25th of November 2025.
Duration 1 h
Age recommendation +12 years
Several languages are used in the performance. The main language is Finnish, with English captions.
Production Team
Cast Ridwan Ahmed, Adnan Almousa, Rozken Bouzan, Yasamin Fayaz, Maisa Fraser, Juho Hagan, Toivo Honkakoski, Tilma Lucenius, Arvand Rasul, Yazan Saad, Ada Safdari, Hanif Sultani
Co-direction Jussi Lehtonen and Tamara Searle Manuscript Eva Buchwald, Jussi Lehtonen and Tamara Searle, based on materials that have been created by the National Youth Theatre Dramaturg Eva Buchwald Set designer Katri Rentto Costume designer Saija Kiiskilä Choreography Angela Aldebs Musical director Iiris Tarnanen Lighting designer Ilkka Niskanen and Pyry Hyttinen Video designer Pyry Hyttinen Sound designer Jani Peltola Fight choreography Anastasia Trizna Producer Roosa Vaverka
My Mind is a Beast is part of the Ambassadors project, in which we have had workshops in immigrant communities and making performances on the National Theatre stages.