Studies in Non-Human Acting (2019)

Studies in Non-Human Acting is the first public outcome of the Posthuman Theatre project. The aim of the performance is to introduce the idea of nonhuman acting: how is it possible? What does it require from a human performer and, above all, how does it sound and look like? A group of dancers, actors, choreographers and directors embody non-human states and processes and construct together a series of studies in a scenic space. 

The project joins together its facilitator Esa Kirkkopelto´s long-term artistic experimentation in the Other Spaces group, and his simultaneous artistic research on the contemporary forms of performer training. The project builds on a series of workshops addressed during the year 2019 to the professional performers in dance and in theatre.

The project, accomplished during 2019, takes place in collaboration between LUST r.f. association and the Other Spaces group. It is part of the Baltic Circle Festival.

Ensemble: Jenni-Elina von Bagh, Laura Marleena Halonen, Leila Kourkia, Veli Lehtovaara, Leena Nordberg, Piia Peltola, Rasmus Slätis, Jenni Urpilainen | Facilitator: Esa Kirkkopelto | Production: Other Spaces / Jenni Kokkomäki, LUST / Jonas Welander | Tukijat: Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Svenska kulturfonden | Premier: 16.11.2019 Kiasma theater, Baltic Circle festival | Duration: 120 min

Study 7, Veli Lehtovaara:

In this study, the stage is divided into two halves. On the one half, different agents from the softwood pulp production process inhabit the stage simultaneously. Each one of them relates to others and the environment from their own perspective. Gradually, they create functioning hybrid formations and face dynamic changes of economic growth, ecological collapse and shared depression, from which emerges a new sensitivity. Due to a human error the Carbon tree from Hyytiälä forest research station has also ended up into the production process. On the other half of the stage, there is a human pen, which notes down the course of events.

Request for link: velijuhana@gmail.com