Release date is 2025-06-05

Tuula Temonen and Tapio Riikonen

"Kassan avain : Ilveilys yhdessä näytöksessä by Roderich Benedix" is a one‑act farce written in the mid‑ to late 19th century. The play centers on a young marriage tested by money troubles, secrecy, and social expectations, exploring themes of trust, authority in the household, and the balance between propriety and adult freedom. Adolf staggers in after a late night, hungover and panicked: he has lost money at cards and owes 120 thalers to a pushy ex‑captain who threatens public exposure if not paid by noon. The cashbox key is with his wife, Leopoldine, so he fumbles for excuses to get it while she grows suspicious—especially after discovering a hidden jewelry case she fears is meant for a secret lover. Their maid, Katri, bluntly criticizes the household for treating Adolf like a boy, stoking Leopoldine’s doubts. Pressed by time, Adolf finally admits the gambling loss; Leopoldine promptly gives him the key so he can pay, and he sends the money. He then reveals the hidden case holds a bracelet meant as her upcoming birthday gift, moving her to tears and dissolving her suspicions. Reconciled, Leopoldine declares him master of the house, hands him the cashbox key for good, and encourages a healthier, more adult balance in their life together; Katri, relieved, decides to stay. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Helsinki: C. F. Frenckell ja Pojat, 1869