The staging of Teatteri Imatra's Da Vinci Code is created with decades of experience

The Da Vinci Code is set by an experienced and award-winning guest set designer. Marjatta KuivastoHis most recent significant works include Tampere Theatre's major production of The Lord of the Rings. 

Kuivasto began his career as a stage designer at the Imatra Theatre after graduating from the University of Art and Design in 1977. After a few years, Kuivasto moved to the Seinäjoki City Theatre and later became a stage designer at the Tampere Theatre. 

The retired stage director is still actively working, but now he gets to choose which productions he takes on. He decided to join The Da Vinci Code as soon as the familiar director Olli-Matti Oinonen called him about a year ago. 

– Olli-Matti and I have been working together on productions since the 80s. Working with him is nice, easy and inspiring, so I accepted the job immediately, Kuivasto says. 

 The return to Imatra also influenced Kuivasto's decision. 

– I have been to Imatra once since I left here in the early 80s. So it was really nice to come back, even though a lot has changed. However, Imatrankoski, Imatra State Hotel and the swimming pool have remained the same. 

The set designer's design work begins with an introduction to the story. 

A set designer's work always begins with getting to know the work. Kuivasto was not very familiar with The Da Vinci Code, so he first had to learn about the story. 

– The very first thing I read was The Da Vinci Code, after which I got acquainted with the English script of the play. Once you have an overall picture of the text, you need to figure out practical matters, such as the space and its possibilities, and the budget, Kuivasto lists. 

The locations and buildings in The Da Vinci Code actually exist, so Kuivasto had to focus on these as well. 

– I break down the text and go through where we are in which scene. Based on these, I then make drawings and miniature models, Kuivasto describes. 

According to Kuivasto, the planning went smoothly, but he was able to highlight one challenge. 

– Many of the scenes take place in large locations, such as churches. In this case, we have to think carefully about how to create such an atmosphere on a small stage. Video elements are used to help create the atmosphere. 

Although the design work is independent, it does not have to – and cannot – be done alone. Kuivasto has been assisted by the play's director Olli-Matti Oinonen and video designer Alex Hautamäki. 

– The three of us build this visual world. In our meetings, I present my ideas and then we develop them together. In this work, video elements also play a big role, so we have to constantly pay attention to how the sets fit together with the videos, Kuivasto says. 

Finally, the working drawings are reviewed with the production team and the model is presented to the actors. 

The whole thing is in good shape a little over a week before the premiere 

Since last autumn, Kuivasto has traveled to Imatra whenever necessary to monitor the completion of the sets and the play. 

– The sets for this production were completed really well in advance. Often, work is still in full swing when the preparatory rehearsals start. However, the finishing and polishing here also continues right up until the premiere week, says Kuivasto. 

The experienced set designer isn't too excited about the premiere, but he is excited that people will soon see what a wonderful result the team has achieved. 

The Da Vinci Code will premiere on the main stage of Teatteri Imatra on Saturday, February 7, 2026. More information about The Da Vinci Code and tickets Theatre Imatra's website. 

Also read the introduction by video designer Alex Hautamäki: Teatteri Imatra's Da Vinci Code is built from many pieces – video design is one important part of the whole | Teatteri Imatra