About us · Meistä
We make theatre with the people of Oulu — openly, playfully and with room for everyone.
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Avaruuden avoin teatteriyhdistys ry is a registered nonprofit association (ry) in Oulu, Finland. We are a community of people who love theatre — some with years on stage, many who joined simply because a friend asked. What unites us is the belief that performing arts belong to everyone.
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We are an independent, member-driven association. Decisions are made democratically by our members and board, in accordance with the Finnish Associations Act. We are not affiliated with any political or religious organisation.
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To encourage artistic expression, theatrical creativity and cultural participation through accessible, inclusive performing arts — and in doing so, to strengthen community and wellbeing.
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We want theatre to remain a living part of everyday community life in Oulu: performed in halls, schools, youth centres and summer stages, by and for the people who live here.
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Our work is participatory and playful. We devise from improvisation and personal stories, adapt existing scripts, and embrace humour, costume and music. The process matters as much as the performance.
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Every member can contribute ideas, take on roles on or off stage, and shape what we make. We actively reach out to people who may not see themselves as 'theatre people'.
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We plan rehearsals and performances with accessibility in mind, adapt roles for people with different abilities, use clear language and keep costs low or free. We work so that no one is excluded because of age, disability, background or finances.
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To establish a stable, open ensemble; to build lasting cooperation with local cultural and social organisations; to develop and share inclusive theatre methods; and to offer regular low-threshold cultural activities in Oulu.
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Theatre trains empathy. It asks us to listen, to imagine another person's life, and to act together. For many participants, a weekly rehearsal is also a weekly reason to leave home, meet friends and laugh.
Mission
Our mission is to encourage artistic expression, promote theatrical creativity, and strengthen cultural participation through accessible and inclusive performing arts activities.
Avaruuden avoin teatteriyhdistys ry believes that theatre is a powerful way to bring people together, share experiences, explore ideas, and build meaningful connections.
Through creative collaboration, theatrical exploration, cultural activities, and opportunities for artistic participation, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and culturally vibrant society.
We believe that everyone should have opportunities to experience, explore, and participate in the performing arts.
Vision
Our vision is a vibrant cultural environment where creativity is encouraged, theatre is accessible, and people from different backgrounds can participate in meaningful artistic experiences.
We envision a community where performing arts provide opportunities for learning, expression, dialogue, cooperation, and cultural understanding.
We aim to contribute to a future in which theatre remains an important part of community life and artistic participation is open to everyone.
Organisational values
