Director

Anna-Maria Lipponen (1983, Tampere, Finland) is a Finnish director, actor (FIA), and author based in Zürich, Switzerland and Helsinki, Finland. Since 2018, Lipponen has built an international career in the Nordic countries, the Baltics, and Central Europe. 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. 

Studio Total Helsinki: Redefining Independent Theatre in Finland

“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 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

Anna-Maria 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.