Download programme leafletPERFORMANCES
Mon 18.5.
19:00
Tue 19.5.
19:00
Length approx. 1h, no intermission.
Recommended age limit 15 years.
Synthetic fog is used during the performance.
The performance venue is not accessible
a physical, wordless metamorphosis
ren_essens is a newly created stage work that explores inner and outer transformations that shape our identity.
The performance is based on the director Cecilia Paul’s own experiences of the need to return to her inner core, her essence. It takes inspiration from metamorphoses in the animal and insect world.
Like the butterfly’s life cycle, where each step involves destruction and reconstruction, the work depicts a woman’s journey from childhood to adulthood. Her struggle to free herself from expectations, traditions and limitations in order to find her own voice, body and power.
Rebecca Solnit’s words, “the process of transformation consists almost entirely of decay,” run like a continuous undercurrent in the performance, where change is not portrayed harmoniously, but as a cyclical and often violent movement. Every rebirth requires an end. The living cannot exist without also carrying death within them.
ren_essens is a visual and poetic experience that, through physical expression, opens up existential questions about identity, loss, freedom and survival.
18.5. – POST-PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION:
Is change ugly?
We invite you to an in-depth discussion in which we will reflect on how we humans actually relate to life changes and how they manifest themselves – whether in our bodies, in our mental health or in our external environment. In conversation with Sofia Elie, literary scholar and writer, and Cecilia Paul, creator of the show. The discussion will be conducted in English where appropriate, so that everyone can participate.
Sofia Elie is the former editor-in-chief of the feminist magazine Astra and has hosted her own radio show on Nordic art and culture on Radio Helsinki. Currently, she works as a cultural writer and is writing her second novel.
Cecilia Paul is an actress and director. She is a member of Sirius Teatern’s ensemble and artistic leadership team.
Media hits:
More information on the show’s home page: universum.fi
Press photos: universum.fi
Koncept, script, director & on stage Cecilia Paul | Choreography and assistant director Meri Pajunpää | Lights, space and graphics Tuomas Honkanen | Sound design Hanna Mikander | Costumes Tiina Kaukanen | Producers Cecilia Paul & Paul Olin | The work is a collaboration between the working group, Sirius Teatern and Teater Mestola.