Rautavaara – an icon of a man – Q&A after the show

Rautavaara tells the life story of Tapio Rautavaara, from a poor, fatherless working-class boy to a beloved musician, Olympic champion and national hero.

This show is the story of a legend called "Rautavaara". At the same time, it also asks questions about today: what does it mean if a nation is split in two, how do you deal with the division, and how do you bridge the gap? Rautavaara was the child of a poor working mother who had to constantly hear about being “a commie brat”. As a parent, he rejected sharp political divisions and wanted to perform for everyone. He became the whole nation’s travelling man, everyone’s Tapsa!

The performance is a monologue featuring Tapio Rautavaara's beloved songs. The role of Rautavaara is played by playwright Timo Ruuskanen, an award-winning singer-actor who is known, among other things, as a founding member of Red Nose Company. Ruuskanen admires Rautavaara's music, and is exactly the same height as his role model at 188 centimetres.

Working group
Script: Timo Ruuskanen
Guidance and dramaturgical assistance: Olka Horila
Lighting: Jukka Kuronen
Tour lights: Jere Kolehmainen
Sound design: Kari Paukola
Equipment: Karita Fallström-Autio
Production: Riihimäki Theatre, Open Doors Theatre and Timo Ruuskanen