ABSTRACT
One of the greatest stumbling-blocks at the moment is geography, the theatre system of the capital and the rest of Finland is completely different in nature. Geographical difference is increased by the fact that it is currently quite difficult for professional theatres in country towns to recruit new, trained staff, as most young people wish to remain on the Helsinki freelance market, where increased television production now offers another significant source of work. One of the most prominent features of the period has been the rapid occupation of Finland by new European drama. The plays of McDonagh's Leenane Trilogy have been produced in at least seven theatres all over Finland. Farreaching decisions are being prepared as to whether the small theatres of, in particular, eastern and northern Finland will survive into the 21st century or whether artistic offerings will be concentrated on the large centres of growth.
