The monologue “Saa rumiakin tanssittaa – Siiri Angerkoski‘s Apprentice”, written by actress Pinja Hahtola and directed by Olka Horila, portrays the legendary Siiri Angerkoski and her life. Angerkoski played a record number of film roles during her lifetime: with over a hundred roles, she left Tauno Palo and Ansa Ikonen far behind. She experienced both the rise and fall of Finnish cinema and the great upheavals of the nation. In the minds of Finns, Angerkoski is forever the sharp-eyed Justiina wielding her rolling pin, but behind the comedic roles hid bitter tears and fervent dreams. Although Angerkoski churned out supporting roles like on an assembly line, she never stopped hoping for that “proper role.” The role where she could finally show her abilities and be seen as a whole person.

Many remember Hahtola from her successful monologue “Eino Leino’s Exes”, which was also seen on the Jyväskylän Kesä´s theatre stage in 2019. In this new work, Hahtola delves into the golden age of Finnish cinema with this grand dame of Finnish film. A time when the camera loved youth and beauty, and there was no room for shrewish women in the hayloft romances.

The play is performed in Finnish.

Script: Pinja Hahtola

Direction: Olka Horila

Cast: Pinja Hahtola

Photo: Aki Loponen