Tampere’s intellectually disabled theater La Strada perseveres despite financial difficulties and lack of space. The business is run by a buxom young woman who stepped into her mother’s shoes in a difficult situation.
La Strada, Finland’s first professionally run theater for intellectual disabilities, has struggled with financial concerns from the beginning. A few years ago, in 2009, the theater had to give up its premises on Pirkankatu due to moisture problems.
– The decision to follow in my mother’s footsteps was natural – when you know the group, it was easy to leave and continue. I have been working in the theater since I was 14 years old.
Expensive facilities in the center
The developmentally disabled theater gets its money from the box office. Now, in order to run the operation, grants are also being applied for, among others, from the city of Tampere.
A thin wallet forces you to save on even small expenses. The theater plans to empty its rental warehouse in Hiedanranta next. Some of the goods end up in Kahiluoto’s own basement due to lack of space.
La Strada has been looking for new premises for a long time. Why don’t they seem to be found in a city the size of Tampere?
– I can’t answer that. One reason is of course the price; there are certainly suitable facilities, but they cost a couple of tons. Unfortunately, we don’t have that kind of money now.
Kahiluoto’s wishes are for a theater with not only a stage and auditorium but also storage space.
– We are not terribly demanding, but in such a way that we are still able to function well.
Jussi and important families
La Strada has created 15 productions during its years of operation. Today, the theater has seven actors and one subsidized production designer.
Supporters of the theater and parents of the actors also provide important support.
– The families of a few actors have come unasked to help usher, sell tickets and run the cafe. The help has been invaluable.
La Strada has recently performed the *Good, ugly and fun* revue written by Jussi Tuominen, among others, in a restaurant in Tampere and the Haihara Art Center. Many of the shows have been sold out.
Support helps you cope
Why is the operation of the intellectually disabled theater important? According to Kahiluoto, one of the reasons is visibility.
– My mother once said that people are a bit shy of intellectually disabled people and don’t know how to treat them. This brings the developmentally disabled into view.
However, like theater, the most important thing is to get to perform and hear the audience’s reactions.
– When you see that joy and sincerity, joy on stage, that’s really the most important thing.
La Strada will be 15 years old next year. Although there have been bumps and setbacks on the road, Kahiluoto is not discouraged.
– The collective spirit of the group helps to cope. I have also received incredible support from my husband, friends and loved ones.
Have you ever thought of giving up?
– In no case has it come, I will fight until the very end, says Kahiluoto.