Devil's Mercenary is the English name of the new Finnish language version of Der Freischütz. It takes place in Hol(l)ywood where a film based on the opera is being made... It may seem like an artificial solution, but it works better and better as the performance proceeds, finally it is impossible to distinguish the parts, almost to the extent that the very confluence is disturbing.

The version is peculiar, and entertaining. Both stem in part from the fact that it is based on an open air production in Nilsiä (2006). The stagecraft was limited, and so a new character was created: studio floor manager Kuosmanen, played by the popular actor Martti Suosalo, who is said to improvise his performance. According to Helsingin Sanomat the reception at first night was freezing and the audience booed the director, but yesterday the mood was very different. There were bursts of laughter, my neighbour was literally shaking, and I admit to chuckling myself at Kuosmanen's antics. On the other hand, the scene of casting the magic bullets - with Martti Suosalo as the Devil - was unexpectedly almost genuinely scary.

Being show people, they didn't fail to put the tiny Dilbèr (Ännchen) next to the very tall Jouni Kokora (Kaspar) at the final bows...