The Unknown Soldier

VANHA JUKO THEATRE & TURKU CITY THEATRE

Based on the novel by Väinö Linna
Adapted and directed by Juho Mantere

The next generation of Finnish theatre takes on Väinö Linna’s iconic wartime novel. How does the book’s ethos resonate with modern-day people?

The novel, which was influenced by the author's personal experiences, and Juho Mantere's adaptation are both rooted in a compassionate focus on the characters – the little people who are forced to face impossible odds. The stage production’s sensational four-person ensemble effortlessly captures the full spectrum of the human experience in their portrayals.

The Unknown Soldier is a powerful, moving and layered work that seamlessly blends robust humor and entertainment value with depictions of the horrors and insanity of war.

”Juho Mantere’s action-packed directing style exposes Linna’s core philosophy through playfulness.”
Ilkka Kuosmanen, Etelä-Suomen Sanomat newspaper (text in Finnish and behind a paywall)

”I’m never gonna be the same after this.”
Audience feedback