The Birds (2026) Espoo

Vindängen Hall, Tuulikuja 6B, Espoo

May 02 & 03, 2026

Fed up with the shadiness, legal battles, religious proselytizing and shameless sucking up to the rich and famous in Athens, Pisthetaerus and Euelpides decide to take matters into their own hands and head off to the realm of the Birds. Their mission? To help reclaim their true status as gods and stick it to the meddling deities by creating a bird city that not only brings in tribute but also controls the gods' access to the mortals.

Aristophanes' timeless comedy is a riotous takedown of everything from the snooty elites to the fickle gods, and it's a hoot for everyone involved, including the characters, the actors, and even the folks in the audience.

This rollicking tale is a no-holds-barred adventure that follows our daring duo as they take on the gods and put them in their place, once and for all.

Director, Co-Writer and Producer.

Average attendance 50/60 per show.

This play is a modernized and rewritten version by director, acting coach, and playwright H. Sven Fernandez. It incorporates elements from Brechtian theatre, modern comedy of errors, comedy of the absurd, sitcom shows, and even mafia film elements. The cleverly devised performance distills the basic elements of Greek farce, often characterized by slapstick, and places it within modern-day clichés and cultural frameworks. This approach not only makes the play upbeat, modern, and dynamic but also ensures that it is understandable to current-day audiences. Whether you're a fan of classic Greek theatre or enjoy modern entertainment, this play offers a unique and engaging experience for everyone.

The comedic elements in the show and the numerous short skits were primarily crafted by the participants of Sven's Drama Training Program, which is available through the Esbo Arbis Institute. This play was partially devised, meaning that many of the characters were based on the ideas and contributions of the students. The interactions between the characters were largely developed by the students themselves, with minimal input from the director. This allowed for a creative and collaborative process in bringing the performance to life.

Rune Fenat - PISTHETAERUS
Frans-Mikael Rostedt - EUELPIDES
Hakan Kandemir - LARUS, PRIEST, PROMETHEUS
Regina Comi - PROCNE, PAVUS, POSEIDON
Diana Aimaldinova - CUCULUS, MESSENGER 2, BASILEIA
Lotta Haikala - BUBO, PROPHET, CHERUB
Alena Meshcheriakova - SWAN
Jaana Autio - DEALER IN DECREES

Jesse Fokkema - EPOPS
Anna Song - IRIS, INSPECTOR
Merlin Sauer - METON, MESSENGER 1
Jan Vornhagen - TROCHILUS, POET, HERACLES

Nella Hulko - Asisstant Director, Props Manager
H. Sven Fernandez - Playwright, Director, Producer
Hakan Kandemir - Stage Manager