Naapurini

Naapurini (‘My neighbour’) is a warm, humorous and imaginative children’s theatre performance about moving house, excitement and how the new can become familiar and safe.

What is a new home like when everything is still unfamiliar? When the walls seem to make some strange noises, the doorbell rings out of the blue – and there might be a thousand million neighbours?

The story’s main character, Muuttaja (‘Mover’), has just moved to a new home in Malmi. There are strange noises in the new building, and it is not easy to open the door when you do not know who might be on the other side.

Fortunately, Kaveri (‘Friend’) – a neighbour with courage, curiosity and wild ideas – comes to the rescue. Together, the two investigate noises, spy on their neighbours, invent imaginary guests and create a map of the whole neighbourhood. As their journey progresses, apprehension gradually gives way to joy, and loneliness turns into shared fun.

The performance is based on children’s ideas about neighbourhood, and the text, audio and movement elements have been created in collaboration with children in daycare in Malmi. The production will tour various venues and communities in Malmi in autumn 2026, with the aim of bringing different generations together to share the experience of the performance.

The performances are free of charge, but you must register in advance. The registration link will be added to this page shortly!

Register via this link.

Creative team:
Script: Janne Puustinen
Direction: Jenny Jumppanen
Sound design and music: Aleksi Kinnunen
Scenography: Riikka Karjalainen
Performers: Laura Ikonen, Aleksi Kinnunen, Janne Puustinen
Production: Audience work of the Helsinki City Theatre and the Pääroolissa Malmi (‘Starring Malmi’) project

Preschool groups that took part in the project (autumn 2025): Daycare Longinoja, Daycare Poutapilvi, Daycare Takatasku, Daycare Ylä-Malmi

Photo: Miika Storm

The performance is part of the Helsinki City Theatre’s Pääroolissa Malmi (‘Starring Malmi’) project. The Pääroolissa Malmi project implements community-based theatre and art activities in the Malmi area together with local residents. The project is funded by the City of Helsinki.

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Performance duration: 35 min
Recommended age: 4+
Performance language: Finnish