Durable
Different dimensions tear and the stories flow onto the stage, blending into an adventure where we lose
our sense of direction.
A surreal redefinition of cabaret, a dance and contemporary circus performance whose tragic stories
intertwine and follow one another. The past is restructured and creates paths toward something new.
RISA – Riia Kivimäki & Saku Mäkelä, Katja Lundén, and Janne Marja-aho have created a unique world
where dance, acrobatics, flamenco, and live music meet, accompanied by Mikko Helenius.
Durable is kind of a cabaret where you can come to enjoy a glass of wine and disappear into the
adventure. We think that this performance could be performed in various venues in different settings
but a black box would work best as a perfomance.
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Working group:
RISA – Riia Kivimäki and Saku Mäkelä are dance and circus artists from Helsinki. Both have worked
extensively in dance, circus, theater, and film as performing artists and choreographers, as well as
creating their own works. In 2018, they founded RISA as a platform for their artistic work. “Together, we
have created and developed a new, distinctive movement language where partner acrobatics and dance
combine in a unique way. In our work, we want to break existing rules and limitations within and
between genres and find new perspectives. Our works arise from our time and reflect the state of our
world; they strive for connection with the audience and are open to everyone.”
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Katja Lundén, awarded Artist of the Year 2022 and recipient of the Pro Dance 2025 grant, has become
known during her over 25-year career for her boundary-breaking multidisciplinary works such as
Flamencosauna, Encuentro – Kohtaaminen, Universo, Muiston jälki, Ihoni on pehmeä, Edvard Munch –
Elämän tanssi, and Norsun Elämää – La Vida de Una Elefante. The style of Katja Lundén Company is a
unique blend of flamenco, contemporary dance, and new forms of musical theater.
​
Dance artist and singer Janne Marja-aho has worked in a multidisciplinary way for over 25 years with
top professionals in Finland and Europe in dance, theater, and music. His works have ranged from
contemporary dance pieces to large musicals and theater productions, from solo concerts to
interdisciplinary, experimental performances. He is also remembered from the finals of the
Tangomarkkinat in 2022.
​
Mikko Helenius
Studied at the Sibelius Academy and the Edgar Varèse Conservatory in Paris. He works in Helsinki as a
church musician, arranger, and composer. As a bandoneonist, he has performed in 20 countries. Mikko
works extensively in musical theater and contemporary dance. He has composed, among other things,
three operas and music for the Helsinki City Theatre. In recent years, Mikko has also participated in
choreographies by Sanna Kekäläinen and Ismo-Pekka Heikinheimo.
No intermission. Duration approx. 1 hour.
The performance is a Co-production between RISA-Company and KokoTeatteri.
Supported by the Arts Promotion Centre Finland.
Concept, idea and dramaturgy: Riia Kivimäki & Saku Mäkelä
On stage and creation: Riia Kivimäki, Saku Mäkelä, Katja Lundén, and Janne Marja-aho
Music: Mikko Helenius
Lighting design: Ville Aunola & Saku Mäkelä
The premier was 27.8.2025 at Kokoteatteri Helsinki, Finland.
