Children's Summer at Kievari

Although this summer’s cultural offerings have been exceptionally scarce across the country, in Äänekoski we’ve still been able to enjoy both music and theatre. Safety distances haven’t been compromised, but audiences have been able to come together this summer at Kartanon Kievari to see and experience theatre, music, and stand-up. Kievari’s cultural programme hasn’t forgotten children either; there have been concerts, educational adventures, and favourite characters on offer. 

I live on Saarijärventie, a kilometre from Kartanon Kievari. I can admit, though, that I’ve visited very rarely. It isn’t laziness or arrogance; it’s that in our free time cultural outings are determined by where we can go with the children. Can you take kids along to an adults’ stand-up or karaoke night? If finding a babysitter is a much bigger project than buying tickets, evening outings are easily skipped and the focus turns to children’s culture.

I therefore keep a close eye on my hometown’s children’s cultural offering, and there has often been reason to praise it. Over the years at Painotalo we’ve seen Mimmi Lehmä and Varis, Herra Heinämäki, and Pentti Rasinkangas. A few years ago a real gem came along when Suolahtisali hosted the orchestral fairy tale by Jyväskylä Sinfonia. 

This spring’s coronavirus crisis has reduced children’s cultural offerings just like other events. Amid the bleak news of cancellations, a bright exception was that Kartanon Kievari’s summer theatre went ahead. Its programme for children was pure joy for us. Taking to the stage in different productions were both favourite characters from children’s books and Lastenorkesteri Loiskis, celebrating its 20th anniversary.

My children are at an age where we read the Tatu and Patu books, and we know the best parts by heart. Watching a film or play can often be nerve-racking: will it keep the original story’s atmosphere, language, and humour? Linnateatteri’s production met all these expectations. Actors Jaakko Loukkola and Kalle Tulander inhabited the roles of the brothers from Outola, and the staging looked as if it were straight from the illustrations of the Tatu and Patu books. When you’re from Outola, everyday things like playing outside or eating offer endless reasons for wonder. In the play they puzzled over the differences between a suitcase and a stomach, interviewed Samppa Solu and Anita Aivosolu, and, in the spirit of kung fu movies, took part in the Great Final Tasting.

As with Tatu and Patu, Teatterikone’s Tartsan ja muoviviidakko also delivered a fast-paced adventure with plenty to laugh about and to think about. Even as an adult, I was amazed at how playfully you can talk about healthy eating and caring for the environment. No one had time to get bored, with music, energy, and wild adventure stories. Along the way we learned why you should eat healthily and that plastic litter shouldn’t be left in nature. Neither play underestimated children, which is always a big plus in my view.

The audience received clear instructions on safety and hygiene from Kartanon Kievari. There was room in the stands to keep safe distances, and likewise in the café during the interval. A big thank-you to all the organisers, who had both the courage and the responsibility to put on this summer of experiences for children and adults.

The children’s culture summer at Kievari is now over, but during the autumn Kievari offers the magic of both dance and song for adults. Check the dates in Kartanon Kievari’s event calendar.