Exploitation

Hannu has had a long career in Jyvässeudun real estate and construction services. Work has been more than just a livelihood for him: it has been a rhythm, a source of pride, an identity, and a way to feel needed. When change negotiations are launched at the company, Hannu believes until the end that everything will be fine. When the layoffs hit him directly, he makes a decision that can no longer be undone. In the elevator, Hannu encounters his boss Esa, and does not let him out until he gets an answer to the question: Why me? Riisto is a painfully funny and timely tragicomedy about the pressures of working life, leadership, coping, and the fear of becoming invisible. The play is structured in two mirrored parts: the first seen from Hannu's perspective, the second from Esa's. The same elevator scene is repeated, but the meanings change. Along the way, we move through the break room, the manager's office, networking at sauna evenings, the world of LinkedIn updates, the gym and a home where work follows even when it should be left behind the front door. Although the topic is serious, Riisto is above all uproariously funny. The laughter comes from recognition, exaggeration, and how absurd the current working life sometimes becomes. And that's why the performance also touches. It does not leave the viewer in the dark, but in shared laughter, relief and the experience that one is not alone with these questions. Riisto is a collaboration between Teatterikone and Jyväskylä City Theatre. On stage are Markus Virtanen (Jyväskylä City Theatre) and Aaro Vuotila (Teatterikone). Written and directed by Annu Sankilampi. Production team: Written and directed by Annu Sankilampi Cast: Aaro Vuotila and Markus Virtanen (guest) Set design: Taru Svan Sound design: Kalle Vilander Lighting design: Timo Hanhisalo Technical operation: Markus Naukkarinen Production: Teatterikone/Jenni Kohonen Photos: Iida Liimatainen Performance duration: approx. 1h 45min (incl. 20 min intermission). Offers for groups of over 10 people: [email protected]. (We do not accept individual ticket reservations).