Written and directed by
Hanna Ojala

​​

Oulu Theatre 2019

The City of Sara Wacklin is Burning is set during the time when Russia invaded Finland to wrest it from Sweden. It is a thought-provoking story about class,
the status of women, and the structures of authority.
 

The year is 1808. Oulu is Finland's second-largest city and the centre of foreign trade. War breaks out and throws the city into turmoil.

Maara-Mathilda, a young maid in her first position of service, is tasked with caring for twenty wounded soldiers. But who will care for Maara-Mathilda?

Dowager Agneta Feldt strives to secure her family's standard of living by arranging profitable marriages for her daughters. But why does a mother’s duty prove so onerous?

Maria wants to marry for love. But is there any to be found?

Greta-Stina just wants to have treats. But who has a right to pleasure?

Tiina doesn't want a man at all. But — I beg your pardon?

Fortunately, the family has a wealthy benefactor, the Gentleman Merchant Nygård. But is he truly a benefactor, and is he wealthy?

The Swedes are leaving, the Russians are coming. But will power be distributed any differently?

It's been a long time since the 19th century, and since then Finland has gained independence side by side with the Finnish woman. Or have they really?

The City of Sara Wacklin Is Burning is a moving, gripping and provocative story about class, gender and power. It is a story about freedom, rights, responsibilities, and the lack of them.
It is a story of the internal and external shackles that bound us 200 years ago and have since disappeared — or have we simply grown accustomed to their grip?​

​

Script Hanna Ojala 
Coreography Petri Kauppinen
Set Aino Koski
Costume Design Pasi Räbinä
Composition and Sound Design Olli Paakkolanvaara
Light Design Elina Romppainen
Cast Elina Korhonen, Tuula Väänänen, Anne Syysmaa, Merja Pietilä, Timo Pesonen, Aki Pelkonen, Annika Aaapalahti, Annina Rokka, Antti Launonen, Pentti Korhonen, Mirjami Kukkola + child actors and a high school class
Photos Maiju Pohjanheimo
Trailer Klaffi Tuotannot + Ojala