The fascination and affective legacy of fascism: final seminar

Thursday 27 November 2025, 2–6 pm, Tauno Nurmela Hall (I, Main Building of the University of Turku)

The seminar is organized by the research project Fascism’s Lume and Affective Heritage in Finnish Culture (Koneen Foundation, 2021–2025) at the University of Turku in collaboration with the International Institute for Popular Culture (IIPC) and the Centre for the Study of Storytelling, Experientiality and Memory (SELMA) research centers.

The purpose of this multidisciplinary project, combining science and art, has been to focus on the cultural legacy of Finnish fascism after World War II, and especially its affectivity. The recycling of fascist material has created an emotional climate in which different manifestations of patriotism, fascism, and the idea of ​​nationalism are mixed together.

The seminar will feature speeches from the project’s researchers, a performance by a theatre group working as part of the project, and a speech from an English non-fiction writer examining Nazism and popular music.

The event will be held in Finnish, except for Daniel Rachel’s presentation in English.

Admission to the event is free.

Program

2 p.m. Opening remarks

Fascism and Esotericism
Docent Kimi Kärki

Composer Yrjö Kilpinen – from political activist to “harmless” artist
MSc Susanna Waldén-Antikainen

The fascination of fascism in Finnish black metal
FT Aila Mustamo

Voices of confrontation in the documentary Boiling Point: Whose Finlandia is it?
Docent Anna-Elena Pääkkölä

At 4 pm They said: borders closed

Performance of the theatre piece and panel discussion (the project’s researchers and theatre group provide background on their work and discuss with the audience)

Theatre group:
Directed by Fiikka Forsman. Script by Fiikka Forsman, Paul Olin and the working group. Performers: Anu Almagro, Paul Olin, Terhi Suorlahti and opera singer Volodymyr Andrushchak as well as sound designer, composer Pertti Grönholm. Scenographer Jaana Kurttila. Lighting designer Eero Erkamo. Producer-choreographer Anja Lappi.

Short break

Klo 17 IIPC Debate 129:
THIS AIN’T ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: Pop Music, the Swastika, and the Third Reich
Daniel Rachel

Over the last seven decades, some of rock ’n’ roll’s most celebrated figureheads have flirted with the imagery and theatre of the Third Reich. From Keith Moon and Vivian Stanshall kitting themselves out in Nazi uniforms and terrorising Jewish neighbourhoods to Siouxsie Sioux and Sid Vicious brandishing swastikas in the pomp of punk, generations of performers have associated themselves in troubling ways with the aesthetics, mass hysteria and even ideology of Nazism. Whether shock factor, stupidity, or crass attempt at subversion, rock ‘n’ roll has indulged these associations – whimsically, carelessly, occasionally malevolently – in a way not accepted by any other artform. But how accountable should fans, the media, and the music industry be for what has often seemed a sleazy fascination with the eroticised perversions of a fascist regime?

Bio: Daniel Rachel is a former musician turned award-winning and bestselling author. In his latest book, This Ain’t Rock ‘n’ Roll, award-winning music historian Daniel Rachel navigates these turbulent waters with extraordinary delicacy and care, asking us to look anew at the artists that have defined us, inspired us and given us joy – and consider why so many have been drawn to the imagery of a movement responsible for the twentieth century’s worst atrocities. Alongside a sensitive history of the Holocaust and an examination of the place it holds in our cultural consciousness, Rachel asks essential questions of actions often overlooked or underplayed, whilst neither casting sweeping judgement nor offering easy answers. In doing so, he asks us to reassess the history of rock ’n’ roll and sheds new light on the grim echoes of the Third Reich in popular culture and the legacy of twentieth (and twenty-first)-century history as it defines us today. Rachel’s previous books include Too Much Too Young: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation (a Sunday Times, Uncut, Rough Trade US and Resident Music book of the year) and Isle of Noises: Conversations with Great British Songwriters (a Guardian and NME book of the year). He lives in London. Please note that some copies of This Ain’t Rock ‘n’ Roll should be available from the author at the event.

More information:

Project leader, docent Kimi Kärki
kimi.karki@utu.fi , +358505766668

Daniel Rachel:
https://danielrachel.com/

Fascism’s Allure and Affective Legacy research project:
https://fasiaffekti.wordpress.com/

They said: borders closed at Tampere Theatre Festival 2025:
https://www.teatteritelakka.fi/ohjelma/he-sanoivat-rajat-kiinni/