Kalevala-inspired musical play coming to Bomba Summer Theatre in summer 2026
A musical play 'Sisko' (Sister) will be performed at Bomba Summer Theatre in Nurmes in summer 2026, drawing inspiration from the female characters of Kalevala and Karelian folk traditions. In addition to the summer theatre performance, a Kalevala-themed movie village based on the sets of the film "Kullervo's Story" will open at Bomba for the summer, offering experiential dining opportunities.
The summer theatre musical play, the new Kalevala village, and Bomba's traditional Karelian village together make Bomba a unique cultural tourism destination alongside wellness and activity holidays.
The premiere of the musical play Sisko is on June 26, 2026. The Bomba Summer Theatre, located on the shore of Lake Pielinen, has 400 seats. Ticket sales begin on February 28, 2026.
Kalevala themes meet the present day in the play
The musical play Sisko, based on Kalevala's female characters and Karelian folk traditions and songs, takes the audience on a timeless journey toward the diverse power of womanhood.
Annukka, the middle of three siblings, is getting married over the weekend. On the eve of the wedding, the siblings have gathered in the attic of their childhood home to find "something old" for the bride. The treasures found from the family inspire the sisters to examine their own, very different lives and ask themselves: what do I want?
The play features familiar folk songs and original compositions by the creators, as well as energetic dance numbers. The moods range from wistful to comical.
The script was written by actor colleagues Meeri Sarjasto, Vilja Kaarento, and Saimi Somerto, all of whom also perform in the play. Saimi Somerto directs, making this her directorial debut. Musicians Jussipekka Jyväsjärvi and Severi Soisalo will also be on stage.
Meeri Sarjasto, a pop-jazz singer, actor, and music pedagogue from Lieksa, is delighted to have the opportunity to enliven the area's cultural activities through Karelian themes together with her team.
Kalevala theme will be widely visible, felt, and tasted at Bomba
The Kalevala theme will be visible at Bomba in summer 2026 not only in the summer theatre but also in the new Kalevala village and the village's experiential dinners.
"It's exciting to bring the Kalevala theme so extensively to Bomba! With Antti J. Jokinen's directed film 'Kullervo's Story,' interest in the Kalevala theme has grown tremendously, and we receive booking inquiries almost daily from both individual travelers and groups," says Sanna Tenhunen, Hotel Manager of Break Sokos Hotel Bomba.
"Summer theatre is one of the most iconic experiences of the Finnish summer. We want to offer quality theatre to both locals and tourists and strengthen Bomba's position as a cultural tourism destination. With the Kalevala theme shaped by young professionals, I expect quite full audiences. Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, with its scenic wing completed in 2023, offers quality spa, accommodation, restaurant, and program services alongside culture for our guests," Tenhunen continues.
Summer theatre performances:
June 26 at 6 PM / June 27 at 3 PM / July 3 at 6 PM / July 4 at 3 PM / July 5 at 3 PM
Ticket sales: Sisko Musical Play | Bomba Safaris
Group ticket sales: sales.karelia@sokoshotels.fi 020 1234 660
Ticket prices:
Adults €25 / Children 4-12 years €5 / Groups (min. 11 people), €23/person
Bomba Summer Theatre is located in the Bomba Karelian village on the shore of Lake Pielinen in Nurmes (Tuulentie 6, Nurmes).
For more information: Sanna Tenhunen, Hotel Manager, Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, sanna.tenhunen@sok.fi,
tel. 050 301 0419 Meeri Sarjasto, theatre contact person, meerisarjasto@gmail.com, tel. 040 542 6774 Information about Kalevala village experiential dinners: In the Melodies of Kalevala – Experience a themed dinner in the houses of legends | Raflaamo.fi
Creators of the Sisko musical play:
Meeri Sarjasto – A pop/jazz singer, actor, and music pedagogue from Lieksa, North Karelia, whose interest in music transcends genre boundaries. Originally finding her way to music through the violin, she has a special place in her heart for folk music as well. Her Karelian roots trace back to Suojärvi through her grandparent. Sarjasto has been seen on theatre stages, as a soloist in various ensembles, and as a vocal coach.
Saimi Somerto (director) – A Helsinki-based actor, writer, dancer, and singer who has gathered both education and a versatile repertoire from Finland, England, and Italy. In addition to Bomba, Saimi can be seen next summer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival working with Commedia dell'arte.
Vilja Kaarento – A Helsinki-based actor, singer, and scriptwriter focused on musical theatre. Her Karelian heritage runs in her blood through both of her grandfathers. Together with Saimi Somerto, Vilja has previously written the musical Kultavehka based on Yona's music, with the first demo version seen at the Finnish Musical Theatre Festival in summer 2025.
Also on stage:
Jussipekka Jyväsjärvi is a multi-instrumentalist known for numerous different ensembles regardless of genre boundaries. Currently, JP tours stages with the dance orchestra Humu and is a regular performer at the annual Kaustinen Folk Music Festival.
Severi Soisalo is a guitarist and bassist who has previously worked with Soisalo's Festival Orchestra and other ensembles, as well as in the band of Teatteri Kulissi in Jyväskylä. He will work as a music technician and musician at Bomba Summer Theatre in summer 2026.
