Von Krahl: Fundamentalist

“Fundamentalist” is a story about love, power and faith. The main characters are a reformist pastor, Markus, who has publicly been called “a tool for the devil”, and his former good friend Heidi, who has drifted from one place to another during her life. On an autumn evening, Markus and Heidi meet again and engage in mutual spiritual warfare and a quest for truth. They have to reassess what they believe in and why. 

What is truth? Can there ever be more than one truth? Can you selflessly help other people? How far should you take it? How far does one person’s accountability for another human being stretch? What is fanaticism, and at what point does it become dangerous? 

Juha Jokela’s Fundamentalist premiered in 2006 at Teatteri Jurkka. The play was awarded the Nordic Drama Award and has been translated into eight languages. Von Krahl has repeatedly performed Fundamentalist to sold-out audiences in Tallinn since 2021. With over 100 performances, Fundamentalist has made history as the first production at Von Krahl Theatre to reach this milestone. Now, one of Estonia’s most esteemed theatre institutions brings its Estonian-language interpretation to the Helsinki Festival. 

Von Krahl Theatre is an independent theatre group founded in 1992, based in Tallinn, Estonia. Known for its innovative and experimental approach to theatre, Von Krahl has consistently challenged traditional theatrical forms and addressed pressing social and political issues in its productions.

The theatre stands out for its strong ensemble of actors, its commitment to international collaboration, and its visually powerful and often provocative performances. Under the long-time artistic leadership of its founding member Peeter Jalakas, Von Krahl has developed a unique artistic identity characterized by a multidisciplinary approach – often integrating music, video, and elements of performance art into its productions.

Von Krahl’s repertoire includes both original works and reinterpretations of classic texts. These productions often engage critically and actively with the contemporary world. Von Krahl has established itself as a major force in contemporary Estonian culture and has earned international recognition for its distinctive artistic vision and bold productions.

Committed to artistic exchange, Von Krahl actively participates in international theatre festivals and co-productions and maintains strong ties with European theatre institutions. Its lasting impact on the Estonian theatre scene stems from its pioneering spirit and dedication to expanding the boundaries of theatrical expression.

Von Krahl remains a leading force in Estonia’s performing arts field, attracting a diverse audience and significantly contributing to the national cultural dialogue.

The current leaders of Von Krahl Theatre are Artistic Director Juhan Ulfsak and Managing Director Jaak Prints.

Juha Jokela (b. 1970) is a contemporary writer in the best sense of the word. His sharp and surprising humor, engaging storytelling, and nuanced portrayal of people are deeply rooted in the present moment. He explores the corporate world, politics, and religious life with the same keen insight, always with a sense of empathy for his characters. Jokela’s plays are marked by strong dialogicality, both in language and dramaturgy: he raises new questions, illuminates themes from multiple perspectives, and avoids providing ready-made answers.

In addition to plays, Jokela has written numerous television series. His play Fundamentalist won the Nordic Drama Award in 2008, and in 2013 he received the Finland Prize from the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Language: Estonian.
Subtitles and audio interpretation in Finnish available via the Subtitles Cloud mobile application.
You can follow the performance either with subtitles or audio interpretation.
For audio interpretation, please bring your own headphones to the performance.

We offer Finnish-language subtitles and audio description for all performances of Fundamentalist.

The subtitles and audio description are available on your own smartphone via an app called Subtitle Mobile. Below you will find detailed instructions on how to set up and use the app.

Before the performance:

During the performance:

Author: Juha Jokela
Translator: Kai Aareleid
Director: Marta Aliide Jakovski
Art director: Kristel Zimmer
Lighting designer: Priidu Adlas
Music designer: Henrik Esse, Marta Aliide Jakovski
Cast: Liisa Saaremäel, Erki Laur
Audio interpretation: Antti Lang

The visit is supported by the Estonian Ministry of Culture and Estonian Embassy in Helsinki.