At the beginning of the play, the Kotala family have returned from a begging trip to Romania and are back at their decaying cottage. Surprisingly, they find a familiar visitor in the sauna, the children's father and Aili's ex-husband Lassi, last seen in Peltola’s play Finnish Horse (2004). Mother, who has already died twice, lives in a rickety Lada parked in the back of the garden. When the family's money-hungry son Kaitsu, known for his scheming, finds out that Mum owns land, a business idea is born. Meanwhile, Jaana's attempts to create a career as a socialite are overshadowed by her loud and chaotic family. The pursuit of fame and mammon takes on tragicomic proportions.
The previous parts of the tetralogy, which focuses on the stories of the Kotala family saga, are Finnish Horse (2004), Yksiöön en äitee ota (2007), Lämminveriset (2011) and Hevosten keinu (2015). The five independent plays are united by the experiences of individuals in the throes of social change. They deal with rural restructuring, long-term unemployment, refugees, migrants, climate change and nature. The recurring themes are perseverance and persistence – when everything is in short supply, people live by the grace of their dreams. Peltola's style is recognisable, and always on the side of the ordinary person.
Sirkku Peltola, who holds the honorary Arts Academian title, is one of Finland's most performed playwrights and most successful directors. Peltola has been awarded numerous prizes and awards, including the Finland Prize, the Olavi Veistäjä Prize and the Pro Finlandia medal. Peltola's plays have been translated into numerous languages, including Arabic.
