Ella Mettänen to Star in Väylä at Frenckell Stage

Tampereen Teatteri said in a press release to ePressi that it will add three visiting productions to its autumn programme at the Frenckell stage, with performances beginning in October and running into December and February 2027.

Leading the lineup is Ella Mettänen in Väylä, a theatrical adaptation of Rosa Liksom’s novel dramatised and directed by Mikko Roiha. The piece frames events around the Lapland War from a woman’s perspective and will play ten performances from 9 October through 12 February 2027. It is presented in collaboration with Vapaa Teatteri, Teatteri Jurkka, Lahti City Theatre and Tampereen Työväen Teatteri.

According to Aamulehti, Väylä has been running “this winter and spring” at Tampereen Työväen Teatteri’s Kellariteatteri, and the production has also earned strong reviews nationally.

Aamulehti reports that Helsingin Sanomat awarded the show four stars, and highlights Aamulehti reviewer Nina Lehtinen’s four-star praise. Lehtinen singles out Mettänen’s “expressive control” and “rhythmic interpretation”, describing them as the season’s most powerful performance, with the Lapland War setting remaining central to the staging.

Actor-comedian Lari Halme will present four performances of his new monologue (melkein) Kaikki minusta at Frenckell in October. Written and directed by Marika Vapaavuori, the piece mixes humour and seriousness as it examines romantic life, the actor’s ambitions and the limits of existence. Performances are scheduled for Saturday 3 October and Saturday 31 October at 13:00 and 18:00.

In December, touring Red Nose Company brings its clown-musical Täydellinen musikaali – Matka manalaan to Frenckell. The show follows clowns Secret (Amira Khalifa) and Tiktak (Nora Raikamo) alongside musician Delta Airwaves (Jussu Pöyhönen) as they confront ageing bodies, unrealised dreams and the mythic descent of Inanna. Performances are set for Saturday 5 December at 13:00 and 18:00.

Together, the guest shows broaden Tampereen Teatteri’s autumn offerings, bringing touring ensembles and prominent performers to the city’s smaller Frenckell stage alongside the theatre’s own programme. It's a chance to see touring work in an intimate space.