Mysterious-room tale Poika ullakolla, poika kellarissa to premiere at TTT on 22 October

Poika ullakolla, poika kellarissa will premiere on 22 October 2026 at 6:30 pm in TTT's Kellariteatteri, a joint production by Tampereen Työväen Teatteri and Teatteri Siperia. The premiere is part of TTT's autumn lineup of novel adaptations announced in September.

Aimed at children aged six and up, the production continues a collaboration that has already produced nine joint shows between the two companies.

The story centres on a mysterious room that seems out of place in an ordinary home. At night it becomes a gateway to a world where different rules apply. It is an adventure about curiosity, courage and friendship, a piece that blurs dream and reality to invite imaginative engagement from young audiences.

Salla Simuka's novel has been dramatised and is directed by Miko Jaakkola. The cast pairs Teatteri Siperia's Tuukka Huttunen and Marika Heiskanen with TTT actors Kristiina Hakovirta and Eriikka Väliahde. Marjaana Mutanen designed the set and costumes, TJ Mäkinen handles lighting, and Kalle Nytorp is responsible for music and sound design. Simuka's book was nominated for the Finlandia Prize in children's and youth literature in 2024.

Jaakkola says the production is intended especially for children with vivid imaginations. "These are worlds where not all the rules of logic apply, dreams, feelings and associations guide what happens. The piece encourages imagining and dreaming," he adds, and notes the creative team approached the children's production with the same professional rigour normally reserved for adult repertoire.

Marika Heiskanen, Teatteri Siperia's theatre director and actor, highlighted the value of the long-term partnership, saying that combining distinct strengths can produce work neither company could achieve alone. Children's repertoire is part of TTT's mission as a national main stage, and the two theatres aim to support cultural education and children's emotional development. More information and tickets are available on the theatre's website.