Esa Leskinen’s Toinen tasavalta (The Second Republic) tells the story of Finland’s struggle to preserve its democratic form of government under the pressure of the Soviet Union, international conflicts, and internal political divisions. The play is an independent fourth part of Leskinen’s series on democracy, following the hugely popular Ensimmäinen tasavalta (The First Republic) (2022).
The Second Republic is an intelligent, entertaining, and vividly atmospheric production that brings to the national stage the sudden twists of history and its key figures—from the post-war “years of danger” to the yuppie era of the 1980s and the collapse of the Soviet empire.
It is the story of a nation that, against all odds, managed to repel existential threats, resolve internal disputes, and at the same time build an egalitarian welfare society that takes all citizens into account. At the center of the play—and as the self-evident symbol of its era—stands Urho Kekkonen. Janne Reinikainen plays the younger Kekkonen, while Vesa Vierikko portrays the elder statesman.
The Second Republic is a story of history repeating itself. It is a sharp reminder that democracy is never self-evident but requires constant struggle to remain vital.
This documentary-style play is based entirely on authentic sources: notes, diaries, scholarly literature, and contemporary accounts. It peers behind the curtains of power and history, revealing the immense pressure political reality can impose on an individual.
The music for The Second Republic is composed by Jussi Tuurna, who also performs live on stage.
Production team
Cast Kristiina Halttu, Katariina Kaitue, Petri Liski, Esa-Matti Long, Taisto Oksanen, Heikki Pitkänen, Jukka Puotila, Sari Puumalainen, Antti Pääkkönen, Janne Reinikainen, Valtteri Simonen, Vesa Vierikko, Jussi Tuurna
Director Esa Leskinen Set design Kati Lukka Costume design Tarja Simone Music Jussi Tuurna Lighting design Ville Toikka Video design Paula Lehtonen Live video design Ida Järvinen Sound design Esa Mattila Make-up design Petra Kuntsi Background researcher Riku Luostari Director's assistant Helena Vierikko