
Set in the rolling hills of 1860‑70 Finland, the play opens on a bright May morning in the modest yet bustling home of Sillankorva. The audience is led through the spacious living room, the scent of fresh coffee, and the clatter of everyday chores, painting a vivid picture of rural life on the edge of a forest. Outside, fields of grain sway while a lone barn hints at the hard work that sustains the family.
At the heart of the story is Mailiisa, a determined thirty‑six‑year‑old matriarch, her spirited eighteen‑year‑old daughter Johanna, and the long‑serving hand Kreeta, whose sharp tongue keeps everyone on edge. Their world collides with the cantankerous bailiff Tapani, the opportunistic landlord Jaako, and the widowed Savela, each bringing their own ambitions and grievances. The opening act crackles with witty exchanges about pigs, disputed duties, and looming decisions that could reshape the household’s future.
Listeners are treated to a lively portrait of community, duty, and the subtle power struggles that ripple through a close‑knit farm family. The dialogue balances humor with genuine concern, inviting you to experience the tensions and tenderness of a bygone era, all while waiting to see how Mailiisa will navigate the challenges ahead.
Full title
Sillankorvan emäntä Nelinäytöksinen näytelmä - Tapaus länsisuomalaisessa talonpoikaissuvussa 1860-1870-luvulla
Language
fi
Duration
~2 hours (148K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1844–1927
A Finnish writer and translator remembered for popular novels, plays, and short stories that brought everyday life and strong emotion to a wide readership. She also helped bring world literature into Finnish through translation, building a long and active literary career.
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