The Sampo

by Nick Robideau

During the darkest days of World War 2, Mena Talvela and Erkki Korte, along with their friends and family, fight for survival as the nation of Finland fights for its very existence against Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, the gods have been awakened, and the supernatural forces of The Kalevala (the national epic poem of Finland) wage their own epic battles that intertwine and collide with the war...

During the darkest days of World War 2, Mena Talvela and Erkki Korte, along with their friends and family, fight for survival as the nation of Finland fights for its very existence against Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, the gods have been awakened, and the supernatural forces of The Kalevala (the national epic poem of Finland) wage their own epic battles that intertwine and collide with the war on Earth. History meets myth in this last untold story of the Second World War.

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The Sampo

6M, 4W or 7M, 4W

MENA TALVELA: F, late teens/early 20s. Pragmatic, tough, and level-headed. Unflappapble until she’s pushed too far, at which point the fire comes out.

ERKKI KORTE: M, late teens/early 20s. Mena’s boyfriend, later her husband. Has a big heart and good intentions, but lacks maturity and harbors a strong desire for glory and grandeur. Drinks too much.

ILMATAR: F, of indeterminate age but should appear older than Mena. A goddess. Presents herself as regal and omnipotent, both of which are illusory to different degrees. Could best be described as “chaotic neutral”.

ILMARINEN: M, of indeterminate age but should be a peer of Ilmatar. The blacksmith god. Far more casual and snarky than Ilmatar, with whom he frequently spars. Occupies “chaotic neutral” along with Ilmatar.

JOSEPH STALIN: M, middle-aged. Dictator of the Soviet Union and enemy to Ilmatar. In possession of magic that makes him especially dangerous. Has an over-the-top, almost Vaudevillian side to personality along with an insecure side. Is much more than he seems. Played by the same actor as The Duck.

SUVI: F, late teens/early 20s. Mena’s best friend. Sarcastic and quick-witted, her relationship with Mena is complicated by feelings for her friend that are ahead of their time, and which neither of them understands.

HINKKA: M, early 20s. Korte’s friend. An odd duck – has psychic abilities that are mostly latent at the top of the play.

PRUIHAN: M, late teens/early 20s. Korte and Hinkka’s friend. Would be considered a “bro” if he were alive today. (Can be doubled with the German Soldier)

Mama: Female, middle-aged. Mena’s mother. Stubborn and short-tempered but ultimately loving.

Papa: Male, middle-aged. Mena’s father. A gentler counterpoint to Mama.

GERMAN SOLDIER: M, 20s. A companion of sorts to Suvi – also, a Nazi. Seems like a sensitive “nice guy”, until he doesn’t. (Can be doubled with Pruihan)

THE DUCK: M. A magic creature and general force for good. Mostly non-speaking. Played by the same actor as Stalin.

Bit roles: Doctor, Demon, Newscaster