In September 2021, the Performing HEL showcase, a joint effort between eight operators in the Finnish performing arts sector, will present an enthralling array of performances representing current circus, dance and theatre in Finland. The newly published programme for 2021 features 27 Finnish artists and groups. Due to the exceptional circumstances this year, part of the programme will take place online.
Being held now for the third time, Performing HEL is intended for international and Finnish presenters and theatre and festival directors and will take place in Helsinki on 2–5 September 2021. Registration for the event will open online on 23 March.
The abundance of multidisciplinary pieces and working groups is clear to see in the 2021 programme. The artists span different career stages but are united by their capacity to tour and work internationally. The 12 pitches, eight demos, and seven full-length performances featured in the programme will show off a varied collection of current works. The works will be performed not just on traditional stages, but throughout urban spaces and the VR world.
Held at the start of September, Performing HEL will once again coincide with the final week of Helsinki Festival. The pieces and artists featured in the programme were selected from almost 140 proposals submitted through an open application process. Furthermore, three programme performances are also included in the domestic performing art programme of Helsinki Festival 2021. There are also collaborations with Helsinki Biennial, Zodiak – Center for New Dance and Cirko – Center for New Circus.
The artists of the 2021 Performing HEL programme
Pitch
Blind Gut Company: Transparent Surfaces
Agit-Cirk: Ghost Town
Oblivia: Obsessions
Turunen Company: Trilogy of stage productions by Saara Turunen
Sonya Lindfors: camouflage
Janina Rajakangas: Meadow
Sisus: Split Ends
Otava-project: Otava
Essi Rossi & Mihail Durnenkov: A New Project (performance’s name TBC)
sadsongskomplex:fi: …and the rest is silence
Kekäläinen Company: If I Would Lose My Voice
Johanna Nuutinen +CO: SKIN HUNGER
Demo
Sari Palmgren & Co: Joy Riot
Mikko Niemistö: Odd Meters
Race Horse Company: O’DD
Portmanteau: Piste, piste, piste
Jenni-Elina von Bagh: A Prologue
Maija Hirvanen & Juha Valkeapää: Life as we know it
Carl Knif Company: A Dream Play
Esitys
Live Art Society: Listening
Fheel Concepts: HOLD ON
Nuua: Vaarna (in collaboration with Cirko – Center for New Circus)
W A U H A U S: A Great Mess (in collaboration with Helsinki Biennial)
Tari Doris, Meri Ekola & Kid Kokko: Disappearing – a passion (part of the Helsinki Festival programme, in collaboration with AISTIT / coming to our senses)
Tiia Kasurinen: I’m not entirely here (cybersad) (part of the Helsinki Festival programme, in collaboration with Zodiak – Center for New Dance)
Tuukka Jukola & Kira Riikonen: Cycle City (part of the Helsinki Festival programme, in collaboration with Zodiak – Center for New Dance)
The pieces for the 2021 event programme were selected by: Manager of International Affairs Katarina Lindholm (Dance Info Finland), Head of International Development Lotta Nevalainen (CircusInfo Finland), Director Linnea Stara (Theatre Info Finland TINFO), Head of Production Eeva Bergroth (Klockriketeatern), Artistic Director Erik Söderblom (Espoo City Theatre), Dramaturg Maria Lundström (The Swedish Theatre), Dramaturg Eva Buchwald (The Finnish National Theatre) and Artistic Director Marko Ahtisaari (Helsinki Festival).
The aim of this event, which has been supported by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, is to promote sales and export of Finnish performing arts. The 2021 event is being organised by Dance Info Finland and CircusInfo Finland, in collaboration with Helsinki Festival, Espoo City Theatre, The Swedish Theatre, Klockriketeatern, The Finnish National Theatre, and Theatre Info Finland (TINFO).
More information at www.performinghel.fi