Wealthy hotel owner Helge gathers his friends and family to celebrate his 60th birthday. Among the guests are his wife and their three adult children: Christian, Michael, and Helene. 

On the night of the celebration, Christian delivers a speech that exposes a dark family secret. The revelation is unsettling, but even more so are the guests’ reactions to it.

Festen is a tragedy laced with black humour, a shattering experience. Its themes include violence passed down through generations, suicide, the sexual abuse of children, and racism.

Celebrated contemporary composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and librettist Lee Hall have collaborated with director Richard Jones to transform Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar-winning 1998 cult film into a powerful opera, which premiered to critical acclaim at the Royal Opera House in London in February 2025.

Festen was awarded Best New Opera Production at the prestigious Olivier Awards in April 2025.

Finnish National Opera and Ballet

27.3.-7.5.2026

Performances:

11.4. at 14.00

27.3. / 9.4. / 15.4. / 17.4. / 21.4. / 23.4. / 25.4. / 29.4. / 7.5. at 19.00

Tickets 30-139€, duration 1 h 45 min, no intermission

Performed in English, surtitles in Finnish, Swedish and English

Age recommendation 16+