Minna Rytisalo’s novels have taken over theatres all over Finland – as many as two plays in Helsinki

Author Minna Rytisalo is in an exceptional situation, as the Helsinki City Theatre is running two plays based on her books at the same time.

Minna Rytisalo, who lives in Kuusamo, is impressed by the exceptional situation.

– It feels absolutely wonderful. When you’ve been thinking and developing a story on your own for years, it takes on new forms and new audiences.

The woman sits on a heek. — The Lempi play is set during the war. The photo shows Ursula Salo.

Rytisalo’s debut novel *Lempi* (Gummerus 2016) has been staged in several cities. Before Helsinki City Theatre, the story, which is set during the war, has been performed at least in Rovaniemi and Joensuu.

In fact, all three Rytisalo novels are on stage around Finland.

Mrs. C. * (Gummerus 2018) about Minna Canth just premiered in Kuopio.

The * Jenny Hill * (WSOY 2023), published two years ago, was the first to grab Helsinki City Theater and will premiere on Thursday 13 February. * Jenny Hill* tells about a woman who only finds herself on the dawn of middle age and begins to live a life-like life.

For the author, seeing his own \”child\” on the stage is always exciting.

– Of course I have read the play text, but it is interesting to see what everything will eventually look like on stage.

Rytisalo’s novels seem to be easily bent on the stage. The prose text is progressing and the fates of the protagonists are interesting. They have good ingredients to shape functional theater.

Familiar books are easier to attract audiences

– In fact, every time I have talked to dramaturgs and have also been able to comment on different versions. The cooperation has always been fruitful and respectful of the other party.

Finnish theaters see many plays based on fresh novels. It is easier to attract the audience, especially if the author is known or the book has been some kind of hit. The risks are not as great as the subject has already been found to be fascinated by the audience.

The picture shows a theater performance or dance performance where the Actors are dressed in colorful costumes and are on stage. — The Jenny Hill play features familiar fairytale characters who “cheer” Jenny on. The photo shows Aino Seppo as Snow White.

– As a director, I always want to keep the core of the book bright. As if in its main statement.

* According to Mustonen, Jenny Hill* tells about the growth of an individual into a subject that expresses his desire but knows his limits. The classic fairy tale characters in the story show * Jenny Hill * way.

– The play also tells about a patriarchal culture where women have been raised in a particular mold.

For the writer, dramatization of novels is also financially important. The life cycle of the book is increased and is likely to get new readers. Access to the theater may not increase the sale of the book, as editions of older books are often over.

– The author’s income comes from small streams. For me, one of those small streams is the rights of theater performances. Although art has an intrinsic value, it also feels good to see how it produces new art and work, says Minna Rytisalo.