Release date is 2026-04-19

Tapio Riikonen

Kyöpeli by Kaarle Halme is a one-act stage comedy (farce) written in the early 20th century. Set in a rural household during the rowdy year-end “runtuviikko,” it playfully skewers gossip, pride, and romantic misunderstandings as a meddling, self-righteous aunt becomes the target of a matchmaking scheme.

The plot follows farmer Aatu, whose engagement to shy neighbor Anna-Liisa wobbles when Aunt Susanna spreads a lurid tale of his supposed infidelity—actually an old family legend misapplied. Aatu clears the confusion, winning Anna-Liisa back. Meanwhile the jolly farmhand Eppu and the dry-witted bachelor Oka hatch a plan: humble Susanna’s moral posturing and pair her off. Eppu flirts outrageously until Susanna’s prim facade crumbles, and Aatu sweetens the deal by promising Oka a cottage and stock. With Susanna steered into Oka’s arms, quarrels among the servants (Kaisa, Kiia, Selma) melt away, music and villagers flood in for dancing, and the household’s harmony is restored in a burst of laughter and hurrahs. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Hämeenlinna: Arvi A. Karisto, 1915