Theatre belongs to everyone – towards a more inclusive theatre

Suomen harrastajateatteriliitto & Tampere Theatre

Sat 8.8.2026 14:00–15:00
TT Lämpiönäyttämö (Cultural Restaurant Kivi, Keskustori 2)

What is theatre in which everyone can participate from their own starting point? Inclusive theatre aims to open doors to a wide range of people, but at the same time it challenges us to examine the structures, practices and attitudes of theatre.

The panel discussion examines theatre, especially from the perspective of the experiences, inclusion and art making of people with disabilities and those who benefit from special support. The panelists will share their experiences of inclusion and accessibility and reflect on the importance of theatre as a builder of identity, expression and community. What does theatre mean to its creators and why is the opportunity to participate in art an important part of an equal society?

The discussion will consider what kind of obstacles are still encountered in theatre and how they can be dismantled. At the same time, it will examine how inclusiveness is already visible in various theatre communities and what is needed to make it a permanent part of the entire theatre field.

The panel discussion will feature:

Sanna Saarela, Executive Director of Suomen harrastajateatteriliitto (Finnish Amateur Theatre Association), theatre director and pedagogue
Riikka Papunen, Artistic Support Mentor, Teatteri NEO
Leevi Paalanen, Actor
Arttu Haapalainen, Project Coordinator and Producer, Tampereen Teatteri New audiences and stages

The panel discussion will be moderated by journalist Anne Flinkkilä

A speech by actor Lauri Kurki will be heard before the panel discussion.

At the end of the panel discussion, it will be possible to read the book Teatteri kuuluu kaikille – Menetelmiä ja käytäntöjä inklusiiviseen teatterityöhön (Theatre belongs to everyone – Methods and practices for inclusive theatre work), published in Finnish by Suomen Harrastajateatteriliitto in May. Read more about the book

The panel discussion is organized in collaboration with Suomen Harrastajateatteriliitto and Tampere Theatre

More information about the accessibility of the venue:
TT Lämpiönäyttämö is accessible by elevator via the Kulttuurimyymälä Aplodi (Hämeenkatu 14 B, 33100 Tampere).
 

More information about the organizers:

Suomen Harrastajateatteriliitto
Tampere Theatre