Work in progress
Stage of Change
Aerial performance about change.
Change in the movement. Change in the body. Change in the interaction.
What kind of influence do we have on another? How are we affected by the change in someone else? Do we realise that change will never end?
Stage of Change is a performance for three aerialists, multiple aerial rings, space and interaction.
Concept/Performer:
Riikka Pentinsaari, Pinja Schönberg, Maarit Utriainen
Design:
Costumes: Suvi Hänninen
Sound and music: Konsta Leinonen
Lights: Maarit Utriainen
Supported by
Espoon kaupunki, Jenny ja Antti Wihurin rahasto, Taiteen edistämiskeskus, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Uudenmaan rahasto, Espoon sirkus- ja teatterikoulu, Hiljaisuus, Näyttämö, Old mine, Outokumpu, Sirkus Faktori
Aerial performance about change.
Change in the movement. Change in the body. Change in the interaction.
What kind of influence do we have on another? How are we affected by the change in someone else? Do we realise that change will never end?
Stage of Change is a performance for three aerialists, multiple aerial rings, space and interaction.
Concept/Performer:
Riikka Pentinsaari, Pinja Schönberg, Maarit Utriainen
Design:
Costumes: Suvi Hänninen
Sound and music: Konsta Leinonen
Lights: Maarit Utriainen
Supported by
Espoon kaupunki, Jenny ja Antti Wihurin rahasto, Taiteen edistämiskeskus, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Uudenmaan rahasto, Espoon sirkus- ja teatterikoulu, Hiljaisuus, Näyttämö, Old mine, Outokumpu, Sirkus Faktori
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Passing thoughts
Passing thoughts dives into an entwined horizon of body and mind. This entity forms from visual art exhibition and contemporary circus performance. The goal of Passing thoughts is to practice to pause beside your own bodily existence. The bodily existence in this context includes the existence of the mind and its effect on our physical existence. As a human beings we share a joint bodily existence. The experiences are different from one and other but we all have them. With recognition, wording and empathizing of these experiences we can have a sense of community and belonging. Concept & Performers: Netta Reunanen and Reija Tapaninen Paintings & visual art: Reija Tapaninen Supported by Finnish Cultural Foundation / Central Finland Regional Fund |
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101 Images of a Body
Is a project that absorbes in the embodied experience of a circusartist. During this project my aim is to understand body and embodied experience as fracture of knowlidge that combines space and time both inside the body and around it birthing connections between one and other. 101 Images of a Body could be performing art that takes a pause makes one sink maybe it forgets the aim of satisfying audiences’ needs? It could be performing art that escapes traditional expectations of settling for its’ part on stage but it will flop and gluck through the structures of the space as do embodied experiences flock and gluck through our bodies. Concept Reija Tapaninen Cast is to be found |
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ON TOUR
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Ruusut / Roses (2022-2023)
Ruusut is a two-part performance project for the elderly. The aim of the project is to bring performances close to the participants and their everyday life. The first part, Kurtturuusut (Rosa Rugosas), is a participatory art event that visits the private yards of elderly in summer 2022. Rosa Rugosa is defined in Finland as an invasive alien species and therefore it must be removed. As a part of the performance we help the participant in this removal process. The performance provides a moment to say farewell to the Rosa Rugosa – a plant that has been a part of the Finnish landscape for a hundred years and has therefore become a recognizable part of the national landscape. What memories does Rosa Rugosa carry with it? During the performance we want to give time to the participants and share a moment together. Through discussions the lives and memories of the participants will become a part of the performance. The second part, Seinäruusut, is a contemporary circus performance that will tour sheltered homes in spring 2023. It will be inspired by the Kurtturuusut performances. Concept & Performers Netta Reunanen, Reija Tapaninen and Maarit Utriainen In co-operation Kipinä Viherrakennus Oy Producer Aida Piirainen / Pragma Helsinki Supported by City of Helsinki |
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Nuorameditaatio / Tigth wire meditation (2021)
I step on the wire. I breathe. I am. Tight Wire Meditation is a performance in a public space, in which contemporary circus artist Netta Reunanen practices walking meditation on a tight wire for 60 minutes. In walking meditation, one walks while listening to one’s bodily events, being aware but without criticizing. With Tight Wire Meditation, Reunanen seeks for connection to herself and her surrounding world. When I walk on the wire I´m fully present in the moment. At its best, it feels like time expands. When I´m walking, I am well aware of every cell and movement in my body. Thoughts don’t control me, I just am. The ability to be present in a moment is enhanced. Concept and performer Netta Reunanen Design Annika Saloranta - Costume Netta Reunanen and Annika Saloranta - Tight wire fan Duration 60 minutes Suitability All ages Premiere 6.8.2021 Old church park Jyväskylä, Finland. Supported by Arts Promotion Centre Finland and Finnish Cultural Foundation In co-operation Kulta ry / Taiteiden kesä |
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Lilies (2019)
Contemporary circus performance that was supposed to be composed for one but is now performed by four. Celebrating the inescapable act of mourning – facing the overwhelming, overtaking and paralyzing force of dreams and futures lost. This chain of acts on stage is created and performed to honor everybody whose dreams, love, identities and imagined universes were destroyed and who --- did not make it. This is to remember all those who disappeared. Were lost. Are forgotten. Lilies is composed of scenes on and under the tight wire, live music, words spoken and silenced, flowers blooming and dying. By way of better understanding we wish to open a window for hope. Director Reija Tapaninen Performers Kauri Klemelä, Netta Lepistö, Heidi Miikki, Joonas Pehrsson, Saana Peura, Reija Tapaninen Design Joonas Pehrsson - Sound Kauri Klemelä - Lights Working group - Set Working group - Costumes Duration 60 minutes Suitability 7+ Premiere 12.9.2019 Jyväskylä City Theatre, Finland. Supported by Alfred Kordelin foundation and Arts Promotion Centre Finland In co-operation Jyväskylä City Theatre, Cirko - Center for New Circus Central Finland Regional Dance Center, SirkusFysio, Viherlandia, Ommellinen, Jyväskylän Sirkuskoulu |
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Halla (2018)
A sitte-specific concept about change. Inevitable change. It encourages to calm down. Encourages for the stillness. Concept, director, performance Maarit Utriainen Desing Anssi Ruotanen - Lights Sampo Parkkonen - Sculptures Premiere 15.12.2018 in Gallery 3H+K, Pori / Finland Supported by Cirko - Center for New Circus, Future Circus festival, Monikulttuuriyhdistys Piste ry, Nyte ry, RadArt, Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Taiteilijayhdistys Hiljaisuus ry, Tehdas 108, Tromssan kunta, ViherLassila |
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Light light (2016)
A contemporary circus solo performance that combines tight wire dancing, body manipulation and object manipulation. Four characters in four different scenes tell their story with light. Searching, loosing, manipulating and palying with light. These four scenes can also be seen as a one journey from storm to calmness, from dark to light. Performer and concept Netta Lepistö Design Jori Reunanen - Sound Duration 45 minutes Suitability Adults and young adults, all language backgrounds. Premiere: 8.9.2016 in Cirko - Center for New Circus, Helsinki / Finland. Supported by Alfred Kordelin foundation, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Arts Promotion Centre Finland In co-operation Cirko - Center for New Circus, Kanneltalo |
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Summer Circus (2014)
Summer Circus fearlessly combines elements from contemporary and traditional circus - clown, strongmen, circus princesses and of course a horse! The performance is built around a transportable structure that allows both aerial acrobatics and tightwire dancing. Summer Circus is packed with the sensation of joy and laughter and is suitable for the whole family. Summer circus can be performed outdoors or indoors. Performers Netta Lepistö and Maarit Utriainen Outside eye Reija Tapaninen Design Working group - Sound Working group - Set Working group - Costumes Duration 30 minutes Suitability All ages Premiere 4.6.2014 Annikki Off-poetry festival, Tampere / Finland. Supported by Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation and Arts Promotion Centre Finland |
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PAST
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Iiris (2017)
Iiris is a contemporary circus piece that delves into the poem “The Hollow Men” by T. S. Eliot. The performers come together and create improvised scenes based on the five parts of the said poem. Always new, always alive and in the rhythm of the moment, they allow us to witness human frailty. Iiris is staged by 17 Finnish circus artists. The training process and the final production have their basis on improvisation. Director Reija Tapaninen Design Joonas Pehrsson - Music, sound Annika Saloranta - Costumes, visual Anniina Veijalainen - Light, visual Performers Marjukka Erälinna, Satu Hakamäki, Salla Hakanpää, Susanna Keski-Kohtamäki, Lida Kuusisto, Sanna Leinonen, Netta Lepistö, Petra Lesonen, Helmi Lähteenmäki, Heidi Miikki, Sara Nurmi, Vilja Parkkinen, Saana Peura, Vesa Purokuru, Sanni Sarlin-Takayama, Mia Silvennoinen, Elina Sirkiä Premiere 5.5.2017 Verkatehdas, Hämeenlinna / Finland. Supported by Finnish Cultural Foundation, Saari Residence by Kone Foundation, Cirkör Lab, Cirko - Center for New Circus, Verkatehdas Norden - Nordic Culture Point Arts Promotion Centre Finland |
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In Other Words (2015)
Toisin Sanoen - In Other Words is a meditative performance in a minimalistic universe. It focuses on only one instrument: Wire. The four artists suspend and throw themselves on to steel wires, seek for a delicate balance and strive for control. The qualities and features of the wire become visible, and so does the pain that it causes on the performers’ skin. Together the strong soundscapes, thoroughly contemplated visuals and artists’ movements create a touching body of work, compelling the audience to its grip. The concept for Zero Gravity Company’s fourth stage production was devised by the on stage cast and has been created on an ensemble basis with members writing, sharing emotional responses and engaging in movement improvisation. Each member has directed the creative process and the rehearsals in turn. The creative mentor for the production has also made a significant contribution to the process. Performers and concept Salla Hakanpää, Susanna Keski-Kohtamäki, Netta Lepistö, Maarit Utriainen Design Joonas Pehrsson - Sound Antti Helminen - Lights Annika Saloranta - Costumes Mentor Elina Pirinen Duration 60 minutes Stage Height: 6,5 m, Width: 10 m, Depth: 8 m Tight wire rigging points and four aerial rigging points. Suitability Adults and young adults, all language backgrounds. Production Zero Gravity Company In co-operation Cirko - Center for New Circus, Woltti, Cirkör LAB, Arts Printing House, La Central Del Circ, L'Ateneu Popular 9 Barris, Circus Next Supported by Finnish Cultural Foundation, Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Alfred Kordelin Foundation, Kone Foundation, City of Helsinki Cultural Office, VM-Vaijeri Premiere 5.5.2015 Théâtre de Hautepierre, Strasbourg / France. |
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Kissing Mimosa (2014)
There is always room for some miracles when Miss Mimosa is on the road. This perfectly perfect female invites everybody to enjoy some tea with her. Nothing is too easy when things seem to have a will of their own. How does Miss Mimosa handle her teaparty and does anyone appear? Everybody from child to adult relaxes with this lady, and yes, eventually even the tea is served. Performer and concept Reija Tapaninen Duration approximately 20 minutes Stage perfect for all locations Suitability Adults and young adults, all language backgrounds. Premiere: 13.6.2014 Kuopio tanssii ja soi, Finland Supported by Arts Promotion Centre Finland |
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Pinta / Surface (2013)
One of us and a rope. Magical images of weightlessness. A rope hangs above an empty stage and stealthily it begins to spin. The motion of the twist grows bigger, until the entire rope wriggles and squirms in the air as if haunted by an invisible force, inviting the performer to the stage. Surface-brushing movement ties the eye to the rope's strong fibres. The rising swirl pulls along, grips intertwine tightly and feet take off from the ground. Reflections ripple on surfaces, spilling on spectator's skin. Awarded Sirkuksen Lumo (Charm of Circus) prize, 2013 by CircusInfo Finland as recognition for work that benefits Finnish circus art. Concept Salla Hakanpää & the creative team Direction Ville Walo Design Tuuli Kyttälä - Sound Anne Jämsä - Costumes and stage Ainu Palmu - Lighting Video Teemu Liakka - Filming Duration Approx. 40 minutes Suitability No spoken language Stage Minimum: Height 6,5 m, width: 9,5 m, depth: 8 m Aerial rigging possibility required Production WHS, Zero Gravity Company in co-operation with CIRKO - Center for New Circus |
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Scafold (2013)
Tight wire dancer Netta Lepistö and aerialist Maarit Utriainen create a poetic contemporary circus performance around a scaffold-like structure. Playful ambience and silent understanding take place between these two charismatic performers. SCAFFOLD is a beautiful performance with tight wire dancing, aerial acrobatics and acrobatics. Performers Netta Lepistö, Maarit Utriainen Music Teemu Iltola, Eero Pulkkinen, Jori Reunanen Costumes Maria Rosenqvist, Annika Saloranta Duration 17 minutes Suitability Outdoors, indoors, all ages Stage Minimum: height 4,5 m, width 8 m, depth 7 m No need for rigging points |
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Will Have Sex for Love (2013)
Glitter sticks to sweaty toes and there is a fracture in the dream. In Will Have Sex for Love, a contemporary circus piece which deals with the longing for love, the performers trust each other, hang on to each other, deride and hurt each other. Will Have Sex For Love reaches from the unscrupulous to the comical - riding on a plastic pony with a million dollar smile. In a kaleidoscope build upon two performers we can see love scintillating frail, sticky, shameless and sensitive. Sparks fly fiercely and yet, a silent understanding takes place between the tight wire artist Netta Lepistö and aerial acrobat Maarit Utriainen. They bring to the stage the delicate act balancing on the fine line between sexy and ridiculous, revealing the vulnerability of one longing for love. Directed by Reija Tapaninen, Zero Gravity Company brings you Will Have Sex for Love, a circus piece that jumps from the sugar coated to the sad and is not afraid to ridicule itself. Concept Netta Lepistö, Reija Tapaninen, Maarit Utriainen Performers Netta Lepistö, Maarit Utriainen Director Reija Tapaninen Design Kristian Palmu - Lights Teemu Iltola, Eero Pulkkinen - Sound Kristina Sedlerova - Set Annika Saloranta and Maria Rosenqvist - Costumes Music Teemu Iltola, Eero Pulkkinen, Jori Reunanen Choreographic assistant Jori Reunanen Artistic and visual consultation Anne Jämsä Duration 60 minutes Suitability All ages and language backgrounds Premiere 2.5.2013, Verkatehdas, Hämeenlinna "Combines roughness and bling bling, innocense and depravity" - Helsingin Sanomat "Netta Lepistö and Maarit Utriainen play, flirt, fight, frolic and show us how wonderful body control and team play can look like." - Pigeonnaire blog |
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Ydin / Core (2011)
A contemporary circus performance that grabs by the hair, smashes to the floor and embraces. Fingers clasped, hair braided together, carrying the weight of each other four acrobats present their show based on tight companionship. Zero Gravity Companyʼs debut show Ydin (Core) is a fresh and captivating contemporary performance by the new generation of circus. The light and playful performance moves high above the ground. Being grasped by the hair. Focused steps fall on a wire across the air. Toes land on palms. From the reverse side of the beautiful braid of this show we discover scratches and laughter. The gentle human core manifests as ridiculous and touching characters. The characters follow each other persistent as shadows, reaching out to each other and softening the blows. Aerial acrobats Salla Hakanpää, Susanna Keski-Kohtamäki, Maarit Utriainen and tightwire artist Netta Lepistö create a criss-crossing skein of encounters on the stage. The performance digs into the core like a wire to the skin. In the heart of the show we find a human being who disappears, hides and tries to step forth. The concept is woven on the unity of friendship. When braided together even the most fragile tress forms a strong bond on which to rise up in the air. Concept Salla Hakanpää, Susanna Keski-Kohtamäki, Netta Lepistö, Reija Tapaninen, Maarit Utriainen, Ville Walo Director Ville Walo Choreography Reija Tapaninen, Ville Walo Design Ainu Palmu - Lights Anne Jämsä, Ainu Palmu - Set Anne Jämsä - Costumes and props Joonas Pehrsson - Sound Duration 55 minutes Suitability No spoken language, ages 8 and up Production WHS, Zero Gravity Company in co-operation with Cirko – Center for New Circus Premiere 4.11.2011, Cirko - Center for New Circus, Helsinki /Finland "Ydin is a poetic and intimate work of art that gives promises for the future of this new company with strong expressive powers." - Helsingin Sanomat "Zero Gravity Companyʼs debut piece functions efficiently and has a smoothly flowing structure." - Uutispäivä Demari |
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