Suomussalmi summer theatre draws more people than the municipality has residents

Teatteri Retikka, an amateur theatre in the municipality of Suomussalmi, attracted more than 8,800 spectators last summer, exceeding the municipality’s population of fewer than 7,000, Yle reports.

Most visitors arrive in groups by bus. On one Saturday in August, 806 people from North Ostrobothnia, Northern Savonia and Kainuu attended a performance. The auditorium has about 1,200 seats.

A 2024 study by the Theatre Information Centre ranked Teatteri Retikka as Finland’s second most popular amateur theatre by audience numbers, behind Laukaan Kanavateatteri. By the number of Finnish premieres, however, Retikka ranks first. This summer marks its 23rd consecutive premiere, written by Eero and Ulla Schroderus.

Local stories and professional production

Visitors say they are drawn to performances based on lived experience, as well as to the comedy and the children’s actors. Many return year after year.

“I have never left disappointed,” said Anneli Valta-Lisitsin from Lapinlahti.

Audience members also praise the professional organisation, sets and covered auditorium. They say the performances reflect experiences from their own lives while being produced professionally, despite the theatre’s amateur status.

About 60 people take part in the summer theatre’s operations. Local organisations provide support: a pensioners’ association runs the refreshments and helps direct traffic with local reservists, while the local branch of the Finnish Red Cross provides first aid when needed.

The theatre’s only paid employee is theatre instructor Ulla Schroderus. She writes, directs and acts in the productions, as well as handling practical tasks. According to Schroderus, the formula behind the theatre’s success is local stories, original scripts, Kainuu culture and working together.