When I arrived at the University of Helsinki in the 1980s, theatre research was changing rapidly all over the world, and in order to keep up we needed to strengthen its foundation in Finland. University professors need to follow both domestic and international research, but they also need to be able to share this information with students through their teaching. It was then, and still is now, important to balance between my own interests and my responsibility to my students. This is challenging, but also rewarding when it works.

From the very beginning, it was clear to me that I wanted to be involved in international activities. It also felt important to bring this international perspective to the Theatre Research unit. My own research has always focused on Finland, but it has usually been developed in interaction with the international research community.

For me, it is important to research Finnish theatre and theatre history, but it is also equally important to present these findings abroad. I have combined these goals by choosing topics from Finland and methods from the international community. For example, I have been able to introduce both domestic and international audiences to the co-operation between Hella Wuolijoki and Bertolt Brecht, as well as to the work of the director Kristian Smeds. Sometimes my research has led to international publications, more often to a chapter in a Finnish-language book or journal article.

When doing research, I try to strike a balance between joint projects – usually together with doctoral students – and my own work. The field of study is vast and interaction with others broadens your horizons and knowledge. At the same time, however, working on your own projects helps you to deepen your knowledge and in so doing keep up with new researchers, and sometimes even lead the way.

Written by Pirkko Koski.

Translated as coursework by Sara Jormakka, Saana Kallioinen, Tanja Koski, Suvi Lehikoinen, Tuomas Mäenpää, Emilia Mäkinen, Emma Niemi, Eerika Norja, Anu Piippo, Riina Vepsä, Saara Viitanen, Marilena Constantinou, Liisa Eloranta, Teemu Heikman, Marika Holmberg, Cecilia Ihatsu, Juliette Lempinen, Elviira Mattila, Sinimarja Niironen, Milla Rautio, Riikka-Liisa Salomaa, Sebastian Wandao & Elina Virros.

Revised by Nely Keinänen & John Calton.