ABSTRACT
The chapter surveys the performances of Finnish national history, exploring historical figures as well as national events. Positioned between East and West, Finland had continuously been forced to fight for its position, and many of the dramas staged explored 20th-century wars. The depictions of Finnish national figures challenged the national narratives or established views. The Theatre again tended to favour new plays and premieres. Examining national Finnish history and its role in a domestic setting did not exclude the crossing of geographical borders; Finland emerged as a country where the history of the East and West collided. Based on the plays depicting 20th-century Finnish history, the Finnish National Theatre attempted to contribute to conversations about national identity, as well as the challenging of nationalist points of view. An academic and research-led approach also leant extra credence and weight to the genre of national drama.
