Could you tell us about the background and starting point of this performance?
Upon moving back to Helsinki two years ago, Finland, along with many other countries were being confronted with the anticipated funding cuts in the arts and culture sectors. This combined with trying to restart in a new place made me think a lot about resilience and endurance, and what kind of work I could create with fewer resources. Looking back now, seeing that the cuts are more severe than any of us thought back then, seems to put even more weight to this matter in the creation process.
I did not want to engage other people into the work unless I was sure I could hire them fairly and properly. This led me to a solo piece, driven by the urge to continue creating even if I could not work with a team. Fortunately I did receive funding and in the end I could have a small, wonderful team with me so I am not fully alone here.
The theme of endurance and resilience emerged naturally, resonating not only on a personal level but also in a broader, global context. I have always considered my state of mind very close to the one of an athlete and that lead me to take sports as a base. The concept of endurance has since expanded, touching on societal and global challenges, widespread injustices, and the depths within the world of sports itself. The question I ask myself is how we—whether artists, citizens, or parents—can cultivate endurance and resilience in today’s world.
Then there is the aspect of aging, which is another topic for me. With this work I explore how far I can still physically go, and the physicality finally becomes a metaphor of the mental resilience. I have had the chance to be in a dialogue with two former athletes who are sharing their experiences with me, and this is shaping my process as well.
How do you situate your artistic work within the Finnish performing arts landscape?
I studied in Finland quite some time ago and since graduating I have been living and working abroad. I have tried to keep a connection to the scene here as much as possible and I have always wished I could work here more. I would have an easier time to situate myself artistically in the Central European landscape since it is more familiar to me. Since I have been a lot away I do not fully know what kind of work is made here, especially by the younger generation and I am looking forward to get to know the local scene better.
It is slowly revealing itself to me and I am getting to know people but it does take time.
I have this wish that I could be part of the Finnish scene too and that I could be of use here in order to fight for better conditions, more possibilities for the people working here. Building communities and being part of one is very important to me, and the power of it should be valued more.