Aino A. — A Play at Jyväskylä City Theatre

Jyväskylä City Theatre opens its 2026 autumn season on the Main Stage with Aino A., premiering on 26 September. The play tells the story of a trained architect and a woman alongside a genius: a person with a strong voice and distinctive work whose contribution was partly overlooked in her own time. The play follows the quarter-century Aino and Alvar Aalto shared (1924–1949), with the Aaltos portrayed by actor couple Elina Saarela and Miika Laakso. Interest in the opening play has been heightened by discussion around it in advance, including some critical voices. The work pays tribute to the Aaltos’ legacy while making use of theatrical techniques and the freedoms of storytelling. Like any stage or film interpretation based on history, this play is not a documentary. In addition to the Aaltos, the play features other notable figures of the era who helped shape the emergence of Finnish design. The story of Aino and Alvar had passion, conflict and money worries, but also light, joy and creative eccentricity. The stage presents a visually elegant and beautiful whole that honours the spirit of Artek’s early years and the era. Kati Kaartinen adapted the play from Jari Järvelä’s novel, and it is directed by theatre director Marietta Kunnas, who grew up surrounded by Aalto architecture. The Keski-Suomi Fund of the Finnish Cultural Foundation supported the composition of the play’s music.

Preview: 25 September. Premiere: 26 September at 15:00.

Script: Jari Järvelä – Kati Kaartinen
Direction: Marietta Kunnas
Set design: Annina Nevantaus
Costume design: Anna Sinkkonen (guest)
Lighting design: Japo Granlund
Video design: Jaakko Sirainen (guest)
Composition and sound design: Juuso Voltti (guest)
Make-up design: Niina Vattulainen

Cast: Paavo Honkimäki, Anneli Karppinen, Miika Laakso, Hannu Lintukoski, Piia Mannisenmäki, Saara Mänttäri, Jussi-Petteri Peräinen, Elina Saarela, Asko Vaarala, Annika Junno (guest, Theatre Academy of Helsinki)

The play’s rights are represented by Näytelmäkulma – Nordic Drama Corner Oy.