Rovaniemen Teatteri
Alma of Vesisaari
Written by Taija Helminen
Directed by Riku Innamaa
Circus devising and direction by Henna Kaikula
Daughter of a family of adventurers, mother of seven, seer who walked among the invisible. Alma of Vesisaari is a biographical theatre-circus hybrid about the mother of Lapland painter Reidar Särestöniemi, and about living between two worlds, geographically and spiritually.
Born in northern Norway, Alma planned to sing her way into Oslo Conservatory. Instead she ended up back to her mother’s roots in Finnish Lapland, in Kaukonen village in Kittilä. She became a storyteller whose life was inextricably connected with nature, family, and the unexplainable.
Celebrating the late Reidar Särestöniemi’s 100th birthday in 2025, Taija Helminen’s enchanting new play highlights the serene story of the artist’s mother. It wonders if someone who’s been uprooted can still build a peaceful home.
Rovaniemi Theatre’s Olli Haataja and Helka Periaho share the stage with circus artists Aapo Honkanen and Milla Jarko. The performance is accompanied by musician Henri Haakana.
The writing of the play benefited from the help of anthropologist Marja-Liisa Honkasalo, who provided comments and background research.
Alma of Vesisaari was produced in collaboration with Piste Collective, and received a €100,000 grant from the New Classics fund.
”As a whole it paints a portrait of a beautiful and fragile northern world which the spectator doesn’t want to leave behind.”
– Virpi Kirves-Torvinen, Kotimaa
