Theatre & Shows

Theatre is very popular with children in Finland, and there are numerous festivals of children's theatre held annually, in addition to the many plays and performances put on regularly in the many professional and amateur theatres which abound.

In the greater metropolitan region of Helsinki (ie Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa) the Bravo! Festival showcases both national and international theatre groups. The themes are of friendship, shared memories and experiences set in make-believe lands, with performances that are non-verbal, poetic and highly visual.

Also held in Helsinki, the Ruutia! Festival celebrates dance and movement-based theatre, and has been running since 1997. As well as performances by national and international groups there are workshops, public discussions and meetings with the artists.

Other notable festivals of children's theatre in Finland are the Oulu Children's Theatre Festival held every February, KUULAS (the Kuusankoski Children's Theatre Festival) held in the small town of Kuusankoski next to Kouvola, and Hippalot (the Häme Castle Children's Festival) which is Finland's longest running cultural event for children, and is held annually in August in Hämeenlinna.