In the summer of 2024, Löytänä Summer Theater honors the hilarious tradition of Finnish amateur dramatics!

Written by Toivo Hovi in 1950, the three-act comedy “Cobbler Vilihunen” is an unparalleled dialect frolic filled with crisp dialogue and surprising twists!

Savonian Vilihunen and his Ostrobothnian Vilihuska reside in the cobbler’s country cottage. The kind-hearted Vilihuska’s secret past has entangled the entire family. Daughter Katri, born in Helsinki, has reached marriageable age, and suitors from a jovial sheriff and an overly enthusiastic pastor to local Ville Kiäriäinen are frequenting the cottage. The situation is further complicated by apprentice Jooseppi, who is hopelessly in love with Katri, and a terrible deed committed by family son Kustaa.

Renowned actors from the National Theater give their best in this Finnish folk comedy! The tangle of lies gradually unravels, with Viitasaari’s own son, Juha Varis, shining in the leading role as Vilihuska. Other roles are energetically played by Pirjo Määttä, Heikki Pitkänen, and Helena Vierikko.

Catch “Cobbler Vilihunen” at Löytänä Summer Theater from June 28 to July 19.

Photo: Tuomo Manninen