THE EVENT PLAY

The Medieval Turku aims to transport visitors deep into the Middle Ages. Each year, a new immersive and captivating play is written especially for the event, bringing medieval townspeople to the Market Square and the Brinkkala courtyard (Klemettilä, i.e., Burgher Klemet’s inner yard).

Check the schedule of the market play scenes in the daily programme.

Ora et labora

Hear ye, hear ye! Come and witness the annual Medieval Turku market play, Ora et Labora, in all its glory. This years’ spectacle is set in the year 1466, spanning throughout 20 immersive scenes which combine euphoric bliss, intriguing interactions, and entrancing dance moves, without forgetting the twists and turns of the daily lives of ordinary folk.

Why 1466? Well, similarly to the present day, during that 1466, Turku Cathedral was under renovation. Records suggest that one Petrus Murator received pay for brickwork on the Cathedral, which he can still be seen toiling away at the during the play. The restorations were commissioned by no other than Bishop Konrad Bidz himself, who served as a powerful authority in Turku at the time. Other notable figures pay visit during the play, hailing from the Turku vicinity as well as all the way from the western part of the kingdom, which we now call Sweden.

The Old Great Square shall be full of hustling and bustling, selling and buying, hiring, and battles between the Christian regime and secular power. Over at the Sahti Quad stage, a stern Gunhild runs The Three Queens’ Tavern with the help of her loyal employees. Meanwhile, the medieval Turku Cathedral School is back to life at the Cathedral School Yard, where the Master of the esteemed institution lectures his thick-headed students. Come and see how Brinkkala Yard is transformed into the the yard of the widowed burgher Birgitta.

Prepare for a lively market day on which anything and everything can happen, as someone gets employed and another’s business begins to thrive, one gains valuable information and the other lets their wits get the better of them, leading to grave outcomes. Nevertheless, the market will burst with joy, music, and a splash of sin!

The play is performed by over 60 actors. The script is written by Petra Lähde and it is directed together by Petra Lähde and Aliisa Kallio. Kati Hatakka and Samuli Laine provide the music, and the costuming is designed by Soile Karhu. The large variety of stage props are manufactured by Rebekka Linnanheimo.

Please note that the play displays strong language and depicts scenes which may disturb some audiences. Please check for content warnings from the event schedule.