Martti Wuori's Kiusankappale (which roughly translates to 'The Mischief-Maker' or 'The Prank') is a one-act play from the late 1800s that packs a clever punch. It’s a snapshot of social gamesmanship that hasn’t aged a day.

The Story

A circle of friends is bored and a bit irritated by Herr B—, a pompous and pedantic man who loves the sound of his own voice. They hatch a plan: they’ll invite him over and stage an elaborate, absurd theatrical performance just for him. The idea is to convince him it's a serious artistic work, let him pontificate about its 'deep meaning,' and then reveal the whole thing was a joke at his expense. It’s meant to be a gentle (or not-so-gentle) taking down of a peg. But from the moment Herr B— arrives, things don’t go as scripted. He doesn’t react with the predictable outrage or buffoonery they expected. Instead, he engages with the 'play' on his own terms, turning their mockery back on them. The pranksters find their own vanity and pettiness reflected back, and the line between who is fooling whom gets very blurry, very fast.

Why You Should Read It

What I love about this play is how light it feels while carrying real weight. The dialogue is snappy and funny, full of the kind of barbed compliments and polite hostility you might recognize from any social gathering. Wuori isn’t just making fun of one arrogant man; he’s shining a light on the whole group. The 'friends' aren’t innocent victims—they’re kind of mean and full of themselves, too. The real drama isn’t in the prank itself, but in watching everyone’s masks slip. It’s a brilliant study of how we perform for each other, how fragile social status is, and how the desire to belong can make people pretty cruel. For a play written over a century ago, its take on social anxiety and peer pressure is spot-on.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect little read for anyone who enjoys classic comedies of manners, like Oscar Wilde or Molière, but wants to try something off the beaten path. It’s also great for theater fans curious about Scandinavian drama beyond Ibsen. Because it’s short and the conflict is so immediate, it’s incredibly accessible. You don’t need to know Finnish history to get it—you just need to have ever been in a room where people were pretending to be nicer or smarter than they actually were. Kiusankappale is a witty, insightful reminder that when you point a finger, three are pointing back at you.