Tom of Finland

Tom of Finland is a musical written by Tuomas Parkkinen and composed by Jussi Vahvaselkä and Jori Roosberg about Touko Laaksonen, his art and worldview, joy and pride.

The musical recounts how Touko Laaksonen evolved into Tom of Finland. It tells the tale of the talented, peculiar son of two teachers living in Kaarina who became the most famous Finnish artist in the world. A man who drew his fantasies in a way that was so real and relatable that millions of men found themselves, their sexuality and even more: Tom’s drawings gave them a reason to open their eyes in the morning. And for the majority, Laaksonen’s art lifted the veil into a world that had, up until then, been unknown, in the shadows, even forbidden and punishable. The musical challenges the audience to ponder the possibility that Touko Laaksonen and his art have been among the greatest influencers to promote tolerance, equality and non-discrimination in the world,

The courage of Touko Laaksonen created Tom of Finland, the man in leather and the right for millions of people to breathe and love. The world needs role models. 

“The humour, pride, boldness and shamelessness of Tom’s fantasies are nonviolent resistance. Joy is among the most powerful weapons of mankind since it leaves its target alive.”

Writer-Director Tuomas Parkkinen