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Title of the thesis: Lavastus, yhteisöllisyys ja paikallisidentiteetti. Tapaustutkimus Luvian Nuorisoseuran esitystoiminnasta ajanjaksolla 1895-2025

Thesis defender: Tuuli Seppälä
Opponent: Dr. Teemu Paavolainen, Tampere university, Finland
Custos: Prof. Outi Lahtinen, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture

The study examines the performance and event activities of Luvian Youth Association from the perspective of stage design, covering a period of 130 years from the early phases of amateur theatre activities up to 2025. In this context, stage design is understood broadly to include the both scenography of the productions and the planning and execution of visual appearance of events. 

Since the early 2000s, Luvia has produced musical productions on a scale exceptional for amateur theatre. These musicals evolved into what became known as “the miracle of Tasala Winter Theatre.” Full-length productions of, among others, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, and several Finnish favourites have been staged on the small stage, accompanied by a live orchestra. The fi rst musical was performed in 2001, after which a musical production has been mounted every year. The researcher has worked as the set designer for the musicals since 2006.

“The miracle of Tasala Winter Theatre” did not emerge out of nowhere. During the 130-year history of Luvian Youth Association, hundreds of plays have been performed and staged. The study selects several individual cases from the society’s history for closer examination. The research is a case study.

The evening entertainments and community halls of Finnish youth societies have long been strongly associated with “birch-tree backdrops.” This image is not entirely inaccurate, as productions were for a long time staged mainly using stock scenery. However, these standard backdrops could be combined in various ways and complemented with other scenic elements. Even today, existing stage sets are reused whenever possible.A sense of community has always been central to amateur theatre activities, and responsibilities have not been strictly divided. Local identity has consistently been reflected in performances. Contemporary musicals also play with local references.

Very little research has been conducted on the amateur theatre activities of Finnish youth associations, even though such activities have formed a central part of their cultural and recreational work. The archives of Luvian Youth association, local correspondence, and other local materials have provided an opportunity to approach the subject from a microhistorical perspective.

The study reveals how amateur theatre productions were staged, how scenery and stage sets were made and acquired, how theatrical trends were followed, and how different performance spaces influenced productions.

Key words: Scenography, Identity, civic education, musical theatre, amateur theatre

Thesis available for public display 7 days prior to the defence at . 

Contact information: tuuliseppala@gmail.com
p. 040 8373292