Kaarna is a girl who disappeared into the forest over 20 years ago. It still feels like yesterday. The loss of a best friend remains hard to accept. What happened?

What does a person do when they are not safe? Do they grow a thick shell around themselves and run away? Kaarna highlights the importance of a child or young person being allowed to be sensitive and vulnerable, while also being safe. Maintaining one’s boundaries and self is crucial, even though it is not always easy in a world where one can easily feel alone.

Kaarna is a story about no longer being able to be a child, when the real danger for a young person is exposure to abuse and submission. It is also the story of a weekend father whose daughter repeatedly packed her dress and stuffed animal into a pink backpack and waited in vain at the doorstep.

What happened 20 years ago? Why did Kaarna disappear into the forest?

Performances at Masala Youth Theater in spring 2016

Kaarna was selected from the Western Uusimaa regional event to the national Teatris event in Vaasa.

Direction: Jonna Wikström
Assistant Directors: Siiri Karjula and Tytti Junna
Choreography: Soile Ojala
Video Design: Leevi Syväoja and Terjo Aaltonen
Lighting Design: Mia Jalerva
Costume Design: Maija Lauri and group (Saana Miettinen, Anna Thomas, Ida Voutila, Mea Tikkanen)
Sound Design: Joonas Outakoski
Cast: Emma Alppi, Kukka Falck, Henry Havukainen, Amanda Jussila, Sasu Laivo, Riku Leskinen, Freya Lyjina, Oona Prähky, Juuso Sallinen, Severi Vilkko, Ronja Väisänen, Oili Virta, and Vilma Virtanen
Producers: Riina Riekkola, Vilma Kiikeri, and Inka Virtanen