Saara Turunen

Country: Finland

Biography

Saara Turunen (b. 1981) is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning author, playwright and director. Much of her work examines the themes of art, identity and social norms. Turunen is known for her work in theatre, but also for her four highly acclaimed novels. Her works have been translated into numerous languages and performed all around the world. Turunen was granted with Lea-Award in 2020, with Finland prize in 2016 and with Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize in 2015, all high-profile awards given in Finland.

Trilogy

The Room trilogy including three independent pieces The Phantom of Normality, Medusa´s Room and The Grapes of Reason. The works examine societal norms, the exercise of power, and the tensions between reason and physicality. They have minimal dialogue, employing an aesthetic that is sparse in words and collage-like in nature. Music and visuals play a significant role. The atmosphere is simultaneously melancholic and playful. At times reminiscent of silent film or comic books, the works leave lots of room for the viewer to reflect their own thoughts, background, and experiences.

Turunen’s theatrical language is universal, and the works are easily understood by anyone. At the same time, however, they reveal deeper layers to the discerning viewer. Beneath a deceptively simple surface, numerous references to other works of art bubble up. Each in its own way, the works remind us of the beauty and transience of life.

Turunen’s trilogy is regarded as one of the milestones of Finnish theatre.