Poetry, Theatre and Luscious Groove – TelttaLab Offers a Versatile Programme for the Festival Week
16.6.2026
The Theatre Festival’s programme for TelttaLab contains poetry and small scale stage performances as well as more playful and groovier energy. Heartwarming musical performances are provided by sisters Laura and Oona Airola who are returning to their youths and the live repertoire of their teenage years. In turn, artist friends Miiko Toiviainen’s and Sinikka Sokka’s performance is an ode friendship and dreams.
This year marks the 100th year anniversary of the death of Eino Leino. The poetry concert Once I Dreamed of Summer brings together Leino’s immortal poetry through actress Seela Sella, soprano Pia Freund, cellist Louna Hosia and pianist Taina-Maaria Rautasuo. Likewise, Seela Sella will perform alongside Esko Roine in the opening performance for the TelttaLab programme Love Letters.
The more theatrical side of the programme is represented by the Ghost Quartet written, composed and with lyrics by Dave Malloy. The performances layered storytelling has enchanted audiences all over the world. The roles are played by Tampere’s Näästiteatteri’s multitalented musical professionals Pia Piltz, Niina Alitalo, Jaakko Wuolijoki and Pyry Smolander.
Drag artist Pola Ivanka’s stage performance What Now, Lea? surprises, amuses and moves the audience. The performance is set to the tune of Lea Laven’s timeless hits. A more soul-oriented assortment of classic hits is offered by Masterpiece Orchestra from Jyväskylä with their praised Stevie Wonder tribute. The festival week’s energy is also upheld by a trailblazer of Finnish funk Eternal Erection.
The programme also includes concerts much-desired by the audience: Finnish National Theatre’s Timo Tuominen brings his work of fifteen years with Jacques Brelin’s chansons to its rightful place on the festival stage. In turn, Kirsi Poutanen invites the audience to stop amongst the chaos and changes of the world and offers pastoral care through her fado music.
The TelttaLab programme will be performed in G LiveLab from August 4th until August 8th.