teatteriajastuksen

Teatteriajastuksen refers to a period in Finnish theatre history that roughly spans the late 19th century and the early 20th century. This era was characterized by a growing sense of national identity and the desire to establish a distinct Finnish theatre tradition. Before this period, theatre in Finland was largely influenced by Swedish and German traditions, often performed in foreign languages.

The establishment of the Finnish National Theatre (Suomen Kansallisteatteri) in 1902 was a pivotal moment in this ajastus. It marked a conscious effort to create a professional theatre that would serve the Finnish-speaking population, perform plays in Finnish, and promote Finnish culture and literature. This also coincided with a surge in Finnish playwriting, with authors like Minna Canth and Eino Leino contributing significantly to the repertoire.

The teatteriajastus saw a shift towards more realistic and socially relevant themes in Finnish drama. Plays began to explore contemporary Finnish life, social issues, and historical events, reflecting the nation's changing political and cultural landscape. Directors and actors also began to develop their own distinct styles, moving away from earlier, more melodramatic approaches. The period laid the groundwork for the diverse and vibrant Finnish theatre scene that exists today.