Conversation between Liisa Pentti and Kerstin Schroth about Mabel Revival

Could you tell us about the background and starting point of your performance?

In 2008 I was starting a bigger production called Stage Animals. Mabel or The Queen of Bones was the 1^st part. It was a duet together with percussionist Aleksi Haapaniemi.  I was elaborating the subject of diva-hood in myself- my female empowerment trip with the divinities of the stage. I was working and getting inspired by a species which seems to have disappeared almost, the divas of the last century. Since the postmodern dance tradition had in it the cool, neutral, somewhat distanced way of performing this new terrain was for me a big challenge.

I also had two diva coaches, Robert Steijn and Frans Poelstra which was very helpful for my journey. I remade the piece slightly and since 2010 I have been performing it with musician and actor Robert Kock and the title is Mabel Revival.

How do you situate your artistic work within the Finish performing arts landscape? 

Gee, I realize I have been here quite a long time —I guess my work has developed during many years to a point where I feel it stands very much for itself and on its own. I´m always inspired by finding new angles to create work. I combine conceptual work with scores, physicality and music.