Reviews ✨

GYMNASTICS GIRLS RECEIVE STATE AWARD FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION 2025!

“This piece of documentary theatre is based on the personal experiences of Katariina Havukainen, Inkeri Hyvönen and Ella Lahdenmäki in the world of aesthetic group gymnastics. Written and directed by the cast, the play gives a voice to the hundreds of thousands of Finnish girls and women who have moved in gymnastics circles.

It is not merely a story about sport. The audience do not need to be gymnasts to recognise themes of problematic body image, poor leadership or bullying. The play emphasises the right of young people to grow up in peace.”

- Ministry of Education and Culture

(The State Award for Public Information is Finland's highest recognition for outstanding work in making knowledge accessible.)

Press:

"The audience is bursting as the dramatic, dark pathos of the Gymnastics Girls' performance grows into aerobic fireworks in a fraction of a second. Endorphin rushes through the entire gymnasium."

In English:

YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company) / Full text in English here, read the story behind the performance)

HBL / Review with English translation available

In Finnish:

Helsingin Sanomat (Biggest news paper in Finland) / Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kainuun Sanomat / Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kulttuuritoimitus / Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kaleva / Column

Voima / Review

Helsingin Sanomat / Analysis

Uusi juttu / Interview

Kulttuuritoimistus / Column

Helsingin sanomat / Column

President Tarja Halonen, Paula Thesleff, and Antton Laine at the premiere of Jumppatytöt