Valtakunnan liitto ('The Reign Union') is a biofictional interactive audio augmented reality story for two simultaneous participants. Premiered in May 2025, it is set in real commercial premises in central Helsinki, a space the story connects to a laundry owner's marriage and an underground Nazi group in the 1940s. Participants navigate the space wearing headphones that render virtual characters as three-dimensional sound sources embedded in the room: audible presences sometimes attached to objects, sometimes hovering without physical counterparts.

Two participants share the same storyline, but not necessarily the same narrative. The experience asks them to form a relationship with characters and then to decide: whether to take on a role that aligns with, their own values, or one that opposes them. Because the experience is embodied, the discomfort of siding with a character—or the pleasure of resisting them—can feel surprisingly strong. Rooted in wartime complicity and the seduction of extremist ideology, the story feels all too current.

The piece has run for almost 100 performances. The next performances are scheduled for late May / early June 2026—dates to be announced at Teatteri Union. See also production details from the November 2025 run.

Developed as part of the Full-AAR project by WHS

Featuring (voices): Jorma Tommila and Emma Castrén
Script and direction: Matias Harju and Ville Walo
Production: Ville Walo
Story research: Anne Jämsä and Ville Walo
Sound design and AAR narrative research: Matias Harju
Programming: Miranda Kastemaa, Mikko Honkanen and Matias Harju
Acoustics research: Teodors Kerimovs
Musicians: Okko Kivikataja, Timo Latonen, Sami Mäkelä, Klaara Pyrhönen
Music recording: Leevi Kohonen / Finnvox

Duration approx. 50 minutes
Language: Finnish

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