Babylon

Premiere 19 September 2018 | Kanneltalo, Helsinki

Babylon was The Thing in the Finnish theatre scene in 2018. It received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The show has toured throughout Finland, visiting a number of the country’s most notable theatres, and it was also selected for the lineups of the most important theatre festivals in the country, for example, Tampere Theatre Festival.

In Babylon, the titular character Babylon wants to solve all the core issues regarding power. Her servant Ré helps her in the process. This partly autobiographical and hilarious performance tackles a variety of situations where power is exercised. The two clowns bring different scepter wielders onstage, from Madonna to Ronaldo and from Catherine the Great to Donald Trump. The power setting between Babylon and Re is also an essential part in addressing the theme.

The performance asks us why we – almost always – settle into power structures in regard to each other. Can’t we live in an equal society? It also examines the power structures between genders giving fresh perspectives to issues with gender equality.

A ★★★★★ bull’s eye.

The performance is skillfully structured and hysterically funny. – – Puolanto truly knows how to process everything from the personal to the universal. – – Seppä and Puolanto collaborate seamlessly. – Helsingin Sanomat, The biggest newspaper in Finland

The relationship between the clowns adds to the theme and crosscuts it. The play is personal, and it can be seen in the sharp observations; the actors’ stories feel real and true. – The Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE

Babylon has been directed by Marielle Eklund-Vasama. Eklund-Vasama has graduated as a director from the Finnish Theatre Academy, and also studied Commedia dell ́Arte in Italy, not to mention directing at the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts and the University College of Opera in Stockholm. Since 2003, Eklund-Vasama has worked as a director and playwright in city theatres, theatre groups and for the Finnish and Swedish Radio Broadcasting Companies. Eklund-Vasama specializes in musical theatre and has also directed operas. Her works have participated in a number of festivals, both in Finland and abroad.