In autumn 2025, Neighbourhood Mothers of Helsinki had the pleasure to cooperate with Helsinki City Theatre in the inspiring art project “Pääroolissa Malmi (Vieraile ulkoisella sivustolla. Linkki avautuu uuteen välilehteen.)”. For one special evening, our Malmi Neighbourhood Mothers’ office turned into a warm and lively living room, filled with creativity, laughter, and connection. Together, we explored the theme of joy through different forms of art — storytelling, music, and shared moments that brought people closer.
Our neighbourhood mother Marina, who organized the event, shares her reflections on this beautiful evening and what it meant for our community:
The way artists create is fascinating.
When nature brings rain and a grey sky, our eyes and hearts can be darkened by this gloomier atmosphere, letting our joy to fade a little. Although autumn still seems bright this year in the metropolis of Helsinki and nature is lush, keeping our senses sharp is another matter entirely. In September, with our senses alert, we could perceive the world from a whole other perspective. For example, by the mere act of being present.
Isn’t that what joy is all about? Being present. With oneself or with others. Feeling your own presence. An encounter. Feeling the presence of others near you. Listening to the silence and its melody. Touching others and being touched by their sensitivity, witnessing tears and tasting laughter. Sharing. So, when another neighbourhood mother and I crossed paths with Laura and Alexis, who are members of the Helsinki City Theatre Company, we knew we wanted to organize something together – something that will be worthwhile!
Everyone has their own symbolic conception of happiness: A quote from an author, the enthusiastic words of a child or friend, words printed on packaging or written anonymously somewhere in the world to provoke thought — in any case, a life experience.
For one evening in September, we stopped and we dived into the concept of happiness and joy. We shared a little of the philosophy behind this existential quest and insatiable search. Is happiness synonymous with joy? Is it the opposite of sadness? Happiness is therefore an adventure to be embraced. Some people feel that they are moving away from it for a while – sometimes a moment that lasts too long. Recalling what happiness and joy are means remembering what has been lost and missed, and how human beings cope with that. Happiness must be nurtured, as human beings can also be constantly searching or seeking what they do not have and finding consolation in doom and gloom. And with good reason, because big disasters do happen in life.
However, an internal mental force encourages us to understand our emotions and to creatively transform what can sometimes resemble sadness, grief, or ’simple’ frustration. Then life, in a way, always brings us back to order, like a gentle, friendly voice whispering in our ear: ‘It’s now; I’m here,’ gradually drawing us back to ourselves and our own integrity.
In such a short time, Laura, Alexis and the other exceptional members of the group of actors managed to make our words resonate in an original and authentic way. It was wonderful teamwork, with each technical aspect working in harmony. During their creative process, it was as though they were deciphering our own processes of joy. The actors performed with quality, captivating and amazing us, and even awakening some of us. One thing is certain: we were all touched, from laughter to tears, from joy to soothing contentment. Our words were staged in a concrete and artistic way, remaining faithful to the original intention while offering a slightly eccentric interpretation intended to amuse.
Even though the evening seemed like a light and spontaneous event, it took quite a bit of preparation to make it a success. I bow before you, dear artists, and with a big hug I express my heartfelt and joyful thanks to you and the Helsinki City Theatre!
Let us “remember to be grateful” for having been able to participate fully in the creative process through these various expressions workshop.
Let us “remember to be grateful” for the active and attentive listening, for the presentation of such a meaningful mini performance, which brought our words to life.
Let us “remember to be grateful” because we also remembered what we have in life, our way of perceiving things. Let us savour those little things with satisfaction. We want to keep this feeling alive.
Let us “remember to be grateful” for finding inspiration to contribute to a peaceful society, using our creativity, skills, and strengths.
Last, but not least, let us “remember to be grateful” to all those who have contributed and continue to contribute to the existence of “Neighbourhood Mothers”.
Marina Saudrais (Vieraile ulkoisella sivustolla. Linkki avautuu uuteen välilehteen.), a happy neighbourhood mother and much more.