About
Anna-Maria Lipponen is a Finnish director, actor (FIA), and author based in Zürich, Switzerland and Helsinki, Finland. Since 2018, Lipponen has built an international career in Central Europe, the Nordic countries and the Baltics. Her directing work has been seen in both institutional theaters and in the independent theatre field. Lipponen’s works are multi-layered total art works, where in addition to a strong narrative, elements such as physical acting, cinematic video storytelling, and multi-dimensional scenography and sound design play a significant role.
About me
“I’ve always worked hard to achieve my goals, making brave choices, trusting my wings, taking risks, and pushing my boundaries to discover new possibilities.
International recognition for my art is a significant dream. I thrive on stepping out of my comfort zone and am not the kind of dreamer who easily gives up. I envision a life in constant motion, without a need for permanence. My biggest goal is to realize whatever I happen to dream of.
Art, for me, is a platform where imagination comes to life, unrestricted by any limits other than one’s own creativity. Engaging in artistic pursuits never leaves me feeling complete. I have a deep appreciation for physical expression, both as an actor and a director. My works tend to be total art works, where visual expression plays a vital role. I like to view art as a collection of images and find great joy in ingenious concepts.”
Education
Anna-Maria Lipponen graduated as an actor (FIA) from the Acting Department of Tampere University (Master of Arts in Theatre) in 2009. Lipponen is a member of Finnish Actors Union.
In 2021, Lipponen began her directing studies at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste and will graduate with a Master of Arts in Theatre (MA Regie) in the spring of 2025.
International Director
Lipponen has been directing theater since 2019, both in institutional theaters and the independent field. In 2023, she completed her first film, Dreamwork, which was an exploration of merging film and theater aesthetics.
Among her significant theater works are the site-specific piece Dreams for Sale, created in collaboration with the National Museum of Finland, Requiem for a Dream, based on Hubert Selby Jr.’s novel, which was the world stage premiere of the book at Rakvere Theater, and Farm der Tiere, based on George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which had the premiere in Zürich in 2025.
As a director, Lipponen is drawn to themes such as freedom, power, and societal roles. Her works often feature strong female roles through which she portrays the world. Animal characters are also a recurring element in her works.
Acting in Finland
After graduating as an actor, Lipponen worked in several Finnish institutional theaters, including the Helsinki City Theatre, and the theaters of Kotka, Kuopio, and Vaasa, both as a guest performer and in the ensemble. Lipponen is a versatile actress who has played lead roles in musicals, comedy, and drama. She particularly enjoys diverse roles that allow her to use her full range of abilities. Physical acting is also close to her heart. Lipponen names key directors she has worked with, including Ene-Liis Semper, Tiit Ojasoo, Neil Hardwick, Kaisa Korhonen, Priit Pedajas, Tanjalotta Räikkä and Hili Iivanainen.
Lipponen has also worked in films and TV series. She is remembered from the Finnish TV serie Uusi päivä by Finnish Broadcasting Company – YLE , but her personally most cherished screen role has been that of Kaarina Koskela in the film Täällä Pohjantähden alla. Professionally, one of the most interesting experiences for Lipponen has been working with Klaus Härö on the film One last Deal (Tuntematon mestari).
Studio Total Helsinki
Anna-Maria Lipponen is also the artistic director of Studio Total Helsinki, a theater company she co-leads with her husband, set and lighting designer Petri Tuhkanen. Since 2018, Studio Total has created international collaborative productions in Estonia, Germany, and Denmark. The company has worked for example with organizations such as Teater NO99 and Eesti Draamateater in Estonia, Pathos München in Germany, and Location X in Denmark. Studio Total receives annual core funding from the Arts Promotion Centre Finland and the City of Helsinki.
Leadership and Artistic Vision
As the artistic director of Studio Total Helsinki, Lipponen has spearheaded a series of innovative productions that challenge conventional notions of performance. Her artistic leadership has been recognized with numerous grants, including a one-year grant from the Art Promotion Centre Finland (Taike) in 2018 and another from the Finnish Cultural Foundation in 2016-2017.
Continuous Development
Lipponen’s pursuit of a Master’s degree in Theater Directing at ZHdK in Zurich speaks to her ongoing commitment to honing her craft. Her ability to blend academic study with professional practice places her at the forefront of contemporary theater.
Anna-Maria Lipponen continues to be a vital force in theater, both as a performer and a creative leader, with a unique ability to connect with international audiences while staying rooted in her Finnish heritage.