Release date is 2023-05-16

Tapio Riikonen

"Suomesta pois: Kuvaus keväältä 1899" by Maila Talvio is a two-act play written during the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on the themes of emigration and the struggles faced by Finnish farmers during a difficult period. The characters grapple with the decision to leave their homeland for America in search of better opportunities amidst challenging circumstances in Finland. The story unfolds in a rural Finnish setting where the central character, Mattila, is faced with the imminent departure of his children and neighbors to America. As the village deals with flooding, food scarcity, and political repression, young characters like Selma and Antti consider leaving for a brighter future abroad. Yet, Mattila remains resolute about staying on his land. In the end, the characters come together in reflection, reaffirming their commitment to their homeland despite the allure of the American dream. The play captures the emotional turmoil of leaving home and the determination to face struggles with resilience. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Werner Söderström, 1899