Teatteri Imatra's Da Vinci Code is built from many pieces – video design is one important part of the whole

The Da Vinci Code working group consists of many contributors. The working group also includes a talented younger generation video designer. Alex Hautamäki.

Hautamäki, who is pursuing a master's degree in lighting design at the Theatre Academy and is also known as a musician, heard about the Da Vinci Code production last spring and knew he had to seize this opportunity.

– I was sitting in the lobby of the Helsinki City Theatre when the theatre director Timo Rissanen called from an unknown number. I immediately felt like I had to answer this. The opportunity immediately interested me, as it is such an interesting work and its Nordic premiere, Hautamäki describes.

Hautamäki has previously worked in the circus, dance and band fields, so the new challenge also attracted him to head to Imatra.

Video elements help achieve a cinematic rhythm

Video design plays a major role in a work with a cinematic rhythm like The Da Vinci Code. The fast pace of the story and the changing and diverse locations require supporting elements to achieve a cinematic narrative.

– The performance will include filmed film clips and various flashbacks, which add to the cinematic feel, Hautamäki summarizes.

According to Hautamäki, the videos act as a kind of extension of the sets. They are also intended to act as functional effects in the performance and add interactivity to the scenes as the actors react to them.

The challenge in video design has been the work's numerous symbols and their meanings.

– I have to be very careful all the time to make sure that both I and the actors are aware of the meanings of the symbols. If we change something, we have to remember whether it will affect the symbols, so that they don't get the wrong meanings, Hautamäki explains.

The working group has become very close together.

Hautamäki feels that he received a warm welcome in Imatra.

– It has been a really warm and welcoming feeling. The working group consists of both the theatre's own staff and many visitors, so it has been great to see how the group is in a good mood during rehearsals.

The situation with the work is good a couple of weeks before the premiere. However, there is a good deal of excitement in the air.

– It's already a tickling feeling. You always have to be a little excited, then you know it's important. It's great that people will soon get to see this, Hautamäki says happily.

Hautamäki has only had a little time to explore Imatra due to his intense workdays.However, the Imatra Laskiais buns have made a lasting impression on the video designer.

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.