 In 1952, Jansson designed stage settings and dresses for "Pessi and Illusia", a ballet by Ahti Sonninen ("Radio tekee murron") which was performed at the Finnish National Opera.By 1958, Jansson began to become directly involved in theater as Lilla Teater produced "Troll i kulisserna" ("Troll in the wings"), a play with lyrics by Jansson and music composed by Erna Tauro.The production was a success, and later performances were held in Sweden and Norway.