The latest production of Tampereen Liikkuva Näyttämö (travelling theatre ) is based on Juhani Aho’s classic novella Rautatie (The Railroad), adapted for the stage by Auvo Vihro. The cast features Auvo Vihro alongside Annuska Hannula (Tampereen Teatteri) and Minna Hokkanen (TTT), with Riikka Papunen (TTT) serving as artistic director.
The premiere of Rautatie was on October 2024, at Tampereen Työväen Teatteri (TTT), from where it quickly moved into touring performances. The production has been staged 28 times for a total audience of 1,603 people.
“It was incredibly important to meet the countless different communities that work quietly without drawing attention to themselves. It opened our eyes to realities outside our theatre bubble,” says actor Minna Hokkanen. “We visited fascinating places last spring. Some venues were ones I had often walked past but never entered before. Everywhere we went, we felt warmly welcomed,” adds actor Annuska Hannula.
The tour will continue in spring 2026 with 18 performances planned, most of them open for the audience.
“It’s wonderful to return to this production. We look forward to diving back into the world of Rautatie and engaging in conversations with the audience afterwards,” say Hokkanen and Hannula.
Written 140 years ago when Juhani Aho was just 22, Rautatie tells the story of ordinary people facing the changes of a modernizing world. Matti and Liisa hear that a railway has been built in Lapinlahti. Though the new invention seems daunting, they decide to see it for themselves, remarking: “One day, such a thing will surely reach every cottage.”
The City of Tampere is a key partner and enabler of the Traveling Theatre, supporting the principle that everyone has the right to art and that culture promotes wellbeing, health, and inclusion across generations. For the first performance of the spring tour, the city will provide transportation for residents of Koukkuniemi so that older citizens can enjoy a genuine theatre experience.
Audience feedback from earlier performances has been enthusiastic:
“Making cultural experiences accessible is vital for supporting wellbeing. Clients who saw the play found joy that lasted long after, and the experience was widely discussed afterwards.”
“A unique experience – theatre has never come this close before.”
Free Public Performances 2026
All performances are free of charge and open to everyone, and everyone is warmly welcome.
Tue 13 Jan at 11:00 – Kumppanuustalo Artteli (Mustanlahdenkatu 22, 33210 Tampere)
Thu 15 Jan at 13:00 – Lielahti Community Space (Antti Possin kuja 1, 33400 Tampere)
Sat 17 Jan at 12:00 – Hervanta Library (Insinöörinkatu 38, 33720 Tampere)
Mon 26 Jan at 13:00 – Tipotie Community Space, Auditorium of the Social and Health Center (Tipotie 4, 33230 Tampere)
Sat 31 Jan at 13:00 – Haihara Manor, Art Center (Haiharankatu 30, 33710 Tampere)
Tue 3 Feb at 13:00 – Monari 13, Wivi Lönn Hall (Pellavatehtaankatu 4, 33100 Tampere)
Thu 5 Feb at 13:00 – Pappilanpuisto Community Space (Kourutaltankatu 2, 33560 Tampere)
Sat 7 Mar at 13:00 – Tesoma Wellbeing Center, 1st floor, Lysti Hall (Tesomankatu 4, 33310 Tampere)
Sat 21 Mar at 12:00 – Culture House Laikku, Music Hall (Keskustori 4, 33100 Tampere)
Wed 25 Mar at 18:00 – Koilliskeskus Library (Liikekatu 3, 33580 Tampere)
Among others, free performances are also organized for residents living in Tampere housing service units, caregivers and residents of care service units.
