Teatteri Avoimet Ovet – Open Doors Theatre was founded in 1994 by actress Liisi Tandefelt to support her own touring activities, which had begun in the 1970s. She toured both in Finland and abroad, and in addition many of her performances were televised. Her search for a permanent stage produced results in 1997, when Tandefelt found the empty bank premises on Museokatu Street, and the Open Doors Theatre found a home there. The theatre was modelled on Central European café and tearoom stages, meeting places and cultural clubs. Performances began in Töölö in April 1998. Tandefelt continued to act in addition to her role as stage designer and costume designer in her own theatre, but she also invited many international visitors, from Germany in particular, to Museokatu. The repertoire was strongly biased towards music and literature.
In Liisi Tandefelt’s period as director (1998–2003) many classical concerts were included in the theatre’s repertoire as she had excellent contacts with artists in that field. Poetry also played an important role. During Heini Tola’s directorship (2004–) the theatre has focused strongly on drama, especially on Finnish plays. Two of the theatre’s own productions are staged every year, and the premières are followed by some 30 performances of each. In addition the repertoire includes visiting and joint productions. Although classical concerts are no longer on the programme, music still plays an important role, for example tango and song evenings are arranged. Poetry readings and evenings dedicated to specific authors are also organised regularly.
The Open Doors Theatre has received the following awards: Aesthetic Action of the Year 2000, Theatre of the Year 2009.
The Open Doors Theatre is a member of the Finnish Theatre Centre association.