The Really Small Theatre Company in co-operation with the Finnish National Theatre proudly presents
The Chess Player
Written and Performed by Richard McElvain
Based on Stefan Zweig’s classic novella The Royal Game (Schachnovelle)
Two Performances Only!
20th and 26th April, 2018 @ 19.00
Willensauna Stage, Finnish National Theatre, Bergbominkuja 2, Helsinki
A stolen book of chess games becomes a lifeline for a prisoner in a Nazi jail. Held in solitary confinement, he keeps insanity at bay by dividing his mind between two feuding chess masters. After he escapes, he dares to skirt a volcano of madness by challenging the greatest chess player in the world to a match. Richard McElvain reimagines Stefan Zweig’s classic story as a 75 minute journey exploring the powers of imagination and the pitfalls of obsession.
"Using Zweig’s brilliant story as a springboard, the play explores the power of illusion and how it distinguishes us from all other beasts, how it frees us and at the same time traps us." – McElvain
Richard McElvain is an award winning actor, director and playwright from the United States. He also teaches at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. McElvain has created successful stage adaptations of the works of Edgar Allen Poe, Washington Irving, O. Henry, and Saki, as well as his own version of Sophocles’ Antigone.
The Chess Player is coming to Helsinki from its successful run at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Duration 75 minutes, no interval.
Normal: €30
Pensioner: €26
Student & unemployed: €15
Tickets can be purchased and booked either directly from the Finnish National Theater's own ticket office (see below) or from all Lippupiste outlets. Tickets can be purchased at any time from Lippupiste's online store at www.lippu.fi (English available).
Finnish National Theatre Ticket Office
Ticket sales: Mon-Sat 9.00-19.00, tel. 010 7331 331
Group sales: Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00, tel. 010 7331 332
(€0.083 + standard network rate)
Läntinen Teatterikuja 1 aA, 00100 Helsinki
The ticket office entrance is on the corner closest the railway station.
Full ticket information is available on the Finnish National Theatre's website (in Finnish only). The ticket prices include VAT.
Willensauna Stage, Finnish National Theatre, Bergbominkuja 2, Helsinki
The entrance to Willensauna is on the Kaisaniemen puisto side of the Finnish National Theatre, on the corner of Itäisen Teatterikuja; the actual address is Bergbominkuja 2. Once through the entrance, the Willensauna Stage is on the right, where the foyer is also located. You can view a seating plan here.
There is very limited street parking in the entire area surrounding the theatre. The nearest car park is EuroPark P-Eliel under Central Railway Station. However, the theatre is located immediately next to Helsinki Central Railway Station and Rautatientori Bus Station, which means that it is extensively serviced by trains, buses, trams, and Metro (Rautatientori and Helsingin Yliopisto)
There is a step before the entrance to Willensauna. However, a metal ramp should be put in place before each performance. Access is level to the seating area and there is a dedicated wheelchair position. Both manual and electric chairs are suitable for access.