HAPPINESS?

Fanny Paananen and Patrick Torring

HAPPINESS?

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HAPPINESS?
What is happiness, anyway?

A theatrical journey in search of joy, balance, and meaning.
Two artists set out to discover the secret of ideal happiness. Their path leads them to Sardinia, one of the world’s “Blue Zones,” where people live longer and are said to be more content. But what do they truly find in their pursuit of happiness?

From the quiet of Finnish forests to the sunlit hills of Sardinia, Happiness? moves between research, personal diaries, and a sarcastic look at modern wellness culture.

We meet Sardinian women: a farmer, a 96-year-old shop owner, a doctor, a yoga philosopher, alongside Finnish pensioner women reflecting on nature, care, and the meaning of peace.
Do we really need to return to Mother Nature to be happy, or can happiness also be found in the supermarket, on the couch, or even in the smell of trash?
Or perhaps, when we simply stop chasing it?

A cross-cultural documentary theatre performance blending reality, vulnerability and irony.

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Premiere at Valtimonteatteri on 8 January 2026 at 19:00.

Creative Team:
Performers & Concept: Fanny Paananen & Patrick Torring
Voice actor: Elina Jackson
Directing & Dramaturgy: Vera Boitcova
Directing: Sofia Stupenkova
Light & Tech: Timo Hanhisalo

NOTE! The performance language is English.

TICKETS:
30 € Standard
27 € Unemployed / Student / Pensioner / Conscript
25 € Small group (4–6 people)
23 € Large group (7+ people)

Tickets are sold via TIKETTI, or at the door one hour before the performance.

Professional tickets (20€) can be reserved at:
[email protected]
Running time approx. 1h 45 min, including an intermission.

NOTE!
When purchasing via Tiketti:
– Culture benefits (employee cultural vouchers) can be used
– The ticket price includes Tiketti’s service fee

The performance is part of Valtimonteatteri’s programme and is presented as a co-production.
Valtimonteatteri participates in the production as a partner, providing support ranging from venue and communications to practical implementation.
This co-production makes it possible to present the work as part of our curated programme.
The performance is also supported by the European Union and Goethe-Institut (Culture Moves Europe) as well as the City of Helsinki.