Fabolous Ella!

Fabolous Ella!

Ella Eronen was one of the most prominent theatre artists of her time. The greatest diva of Finnish theatre. Ever.
In people´s mind she was the biggest star, even to those who had never seen her perform on stage. She was born in early 1900, and died in 1987. Her real age was a mysterious secret: in Ella's world a true artist has the right to define one´s own age - a true artist is ageless.

Ella Eronen is remembered for her roles as strong women both in ancient tragedies and in modern drama in the Finnish National Theatre. Besides her theatre work, she arranged recital evenings and tours. 

Ella Eronen had a passionate relation to her work. She worked hard and even rent by her own money the National Theatre for her dance and recital evening in 1933. The big rise in Ella´s career happened during the Second World War when Ella recited the poem Vårt land (the National Anthem of Finland) at the Stockholm's Stadium. The occasion took on legendary dimensions, and Ella was characterised in the press as the voice of Finland in distress.

Behind her public image Ella´s intimate sphere was very small, consisting of family members, her housekeeper Leena, and relatives, as well as a few good friends. Ella Eronen did not like to be called diva. But she is The Big Diva, also called Die Ella, La Ella, Femme Fatale, Priestess of Love, The Sparkling Interpreter of Poems, Prophet of Prophets... Respect for Ella Eronen we can think The Diva in positive way, she was an intelligent and brave artist.

References:

Jaantila, Kirsti. 1971. Loistava Ella. WSOY. 

Mäkinen, Helka. 1997. Eronen, Ella (1900–1987) Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seura. Kansallisbiografia–verkkojulkaisu.

www.kansallisbiografia.fi/kb/artikkelit/1127 luettu 12.8.2012