GLG
GLG is a surrealistic journey where two people collide, entwine with and let go of boundaries of their own, each other's and the surrounding world. Precariously balancing in the midst of the twists and turns of humanity the performance takes the viewer towards an unknown destination, where influences from visual arts, contemporary dance and circus meld together to create new meanings layer by layer.
"While making this performance we let the ongoing time and world influence us and our findings, really feeling the pressure of our time. How can we sit on the beach and carry on while on the other shore people are drowning? How do we coupe with traumas? What kind of transformation needs to be done to carry on? What boundaries are set on us and what boundaries do we set on ourselves? How could we let go of these boundaries? While contemplating these questions we found this surreal universe with different stories and destinies. This work is about you and me and the sea that unites us all. A transformation of an individual, from a point of no return. From an edge that you think you can`t cross."
Premier 2.3.2022 in Helsinki City Theatre.
Concept, Choreographers and performers: Riia Kivimäki & Saku Mäkelä
Lighting design: Jukka Huitila
Sound design: Sami Tammela
Costume and Set design: Riia Kivimäki & Saku Mäkelä
Costume and Set design consultation: Elina Kolehmainen
Costume and Set implementation: Outi Lehto, Riia Kivimäki & Saku Mäkelä
Dramaturge: Jarkko Lehmus
GLG in Co-production with Cirko – Center for New Circus.
Also supported by La Briqueterie – CDCN Val-de-Marne and Tectis Oy.
Interviews:
https://hkt.fi/erilaisia-nakokulmia-kontaktiin-ja-fyysiseen-dialogiin/
https://cirko.fi/irti-paastamisen-mahdollisuuksista-haastattelussa-risa/
Picks from reviews:
“Carefully designed living paintings.”
“The work by Saku Mäkelä and Riia Kivimäki is an acrobatic duet. It knows how to take full advantage of the duet’s potential from deep erotic intertwining to the breathtaking complete mutual trust that pair acrobatics require. I have often admired the dramaturgy of contemporary circus performances, as the circus stage has no boundaries in the same way as it does in theater and dance. The person is not necessarily at the center and there is no need to make a special issue about it.
The work travels from the core of man to a giant paper boat, which in this situation symbolizes hope. Magical trust carries in a work that flows forward without seams and thresholds.”
Maria Säkö, Helsingin Sanomat 3.3.2022
“Spectacular relationship trip”
”The third work of the evening, Riia Kivimäki and Saku Mäkelä's GLG, which has been made in collaboration with Cirko, dives into completely different worlds.”
What makes GLG perhaps the most artistically complete performance of the evening is the tremendous skill of Kivimäki and Mäkelä and the wonderful combination of pair and air acrobatics and dance.
In this performance, acrobatics are not just skillfully executed tricks and movements, but a means of telling and expressing story and emotion. Kivimäki and Mäkelä are also very open on stage and almost raw. And on the other hand, extremely controlled. They have also clearly wanted to look for the boundaries of acrobatics and the interfaces between it and dance. And also found them, both new movements and a new kind of movement expression.”
Annikki Alku, Demokraatti 3.3.2022
“Holding on and the ability to let go are essential in couple acrobatics, in addition to a relationship. Letting go in the middle of a movement requires strong confidence and courage to cross the body's limits.
Riia Kivimäki and Saku Mäkelä's performance GLG brought to the Tehdas Tanssii-Festival, narrative stage images that explore the limits of a relationship and the individual through means of physically letting go.
The openly erotic, bold and sensitively sensual piece began in Paris at the choreography center La Briqueterie.”
Anna Alatalo, Hämeen Sanomat 8 August 2022.
+ an amazing performance (in the future, I hope to see more of the contemporary circus on the stages of Helsinki City theater as well)
+ music, light design, staging and costumes
+ Staggering and charismatic performers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marko Kilpilampi, Kulttuuritähdet.
