by 
Escaping from Kalevala and ending up in “paska kaupunni”.
A performance weaving together theatre, contemporary circus, and contemporary dance, Faravid’s Land takes place in Oulu’s legendary Raksila supermarket area, which in its golden age surpassed even Helsinki’s Stockmann in grocery sales. Now the old Eka-market building has reached the end of its lifespan and is set to be demolished, making way for a long-awaited new source of joy and pride: an experience arena promising bliss and vitality for all of northern Finland.
So, is the fountain of Oulu’s happiness lurking here in Raksila? Has it been buried here all along?
Faravid’s Land is a journey stretching from the remnants of a supermarket to ancient Northern Ostrobothnia as well as a myth of those who seek and those who conceal happiness. What is happiness exactly, and why must it be hidden? Kullervo disguises happiness as pain, Akka-Queen tries to conjure it, whereas Kärppä scurries it swiftly out of sight. The giant Jotuni dreams, and Näkki tries to tempt the spectator into the depths. The work’s mythological fiction and its captivating creatures merge with the past-its-prime supermarket building, which still echoes with the history of Sale, Alko, and flea market activities.
Faravid’s Land invites the audience, not only to be shaken and stirred by the skills of the 14 actors, dancers and circus artists, but also to cast spells of fortune, banish misfortune, bid farewell to the Raksila supermarket, and welcome a twisted experience arena before the experience arena. Eternal questions and mythical landscapes grow through the emptied building in an immersive performance where the spectator can freely choose their own path towards fulfilment, which is pursued slyly, conjured powerfully, and blushed at quietly.
Script Eira Virekoski
Direction Alma Lehmuskallio, Pirjo Yli-Maunula
Set design Kalle Nurminen
Costume design Karoliina Koiso-Kanttila
Light design Jukka Huitila
Sound design Anssi Laiho
Make-up and hair design Melina Matinlompolo
Circus artists and dancers from Flow Productions Marta Alstadsæter, Kim-Jomi Fischer, Elisabeth Künkele, Nikke Launonen, Katariina Van Earle, Jared Van Earle, Milla Virtanen
Actors from Oulu Theatre Valtteri Aaltonen, Merja Pietilä, Annina Rokka, Henri Tuominen, Anne Syysmaa, Elina Ylisuvanto, Kasperi Kola
Production: Oulu Theatre, Flow Productions
Financial supporters: Oulu2026, The Finnish Cultural Foundation
In collaboration with: Oulu August Festivals, Oulu2026
International collaboration partner: still still (NED)
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026. Faravid’s Land is part of the Oulu2026 cultural program and cultural climate change, and Oulu August Festival.
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Performances
Premiere on Thu 27.8.2026
Performances 28.8.-12.12.2026
See showtimes from the performance calendar
Venue
Raksila supermarket
Tehtaankatu 1
Tickets
Normal €48
Pensioners €45
Discount (children, students, unemployed) €32
S-Etukortti ticket €38
Ticket sales
Oulu Theatre online shop
lippu.fi
Oulu Theatre box office, Kaarlenväylä 2
Open Wed-Sat at 12-19
Door sales open one hour before the performance begins at the Raksila supermarket.
Age recommendation
Adults and youth 14+
Duration
2h15min, including intermission
Accessibility
The performance venue is wheelchair accessible. More detailed information on accessibility will be available on the websites of Flow Productions and Oulu Theater during spring 2026.
The performance is in English, but you can enjoy it even if you don’t speak the language.
The performance includes theatrical smoke.
