Lalli; Tuomas piispa; Maunu Tavast

Set on a cold winter night in 1158 Finland, the drama opens in Lalli’s modest farmhouse, where the glow of the hearth barely warms the hushed interior. Lalli, a taciturn farmer, is confronted by his wife Kerttu, who worries about their daughter Sinikka’s recent habit of wandering alone into the moon‑lit woods. Their uneasy conversation hints at a mysterious forest figure named Inko, whose presence fuels both fear and fascination.

The tension between the safety of the homestead and the wild allure of the surrounding forest drives the early action, as Kerttu fears for Sinikka’s safety while Lalli downplays the danger. Through sharply drawn dialogue, the play weaves folklore and the stark reality of medieval peasant life, creating a palpable sense of dread and curiosity. Listeners are drawn into a world where everyday concerns clash with ancient legends, setting the stage for deeper conflict.