The Docents

Professor of social psychology Johanna Virt begins a scientific study examining changes in the internal climate of the university. It becomes increasingly clear that the academic world is being overtaken by the language, laws, performance indicators, and rankings of the corporate world. Meanwhile, researchers’ motivation and joy in their work are declining, and burnout is looming.

As the research progresses, Johanna unexpectedly finds herself in conflict with university leadership—a conflict that soon involves her colleagues and family members. The confrontation puts Johanna’s professional ethics to the test. How can we preserve the ideals of science and education in a world where true knowledge is losing value and only the loudest voices are heard?

Juha Jokela (b. 1970) is a Finnish playwright, theatre director, and screenwriter of international renown. Academic Short Circuit (original title: Dosentit) premiered at the Finnish National Theatre in 2021 and received the Finnish Academy of Science Human Rights Award.

Premiere: February 21, 2026 – Grand Building of the Vanemuine Theatre