Henriikka Himma & working group: Sakraaliesseet
Henriikka Himma and her work group Sacral Essays is a site-specific performance that will be experienced in Alppila Church on 20-23 August 2025.The work explores where we can gather together to deal with existential, joy and sorrow and cosmic issues of life as part of everyday life. The Alppila church is the setting for the work and an example of a wider phenomenon where many modern churches built in the 1960s and 1990s are being demolished or closed due to low use and structural problems.
Through contemporary performance, Sakraaliesseet explores the spaces created by sacred architecture as both a private and collective experience. The working group explores the ongoing changes in urban structure and society, and reflects on how these changes affect the lives of individuals. Sacred space is no longer seen as part of local services in city planning as it was in the 1960s, and the central role of the church in the city's landscape is giving way as new centres are built around shopping malls and transportation centers. In Finnish urban planning, private development and commercial spaces are increasingly prioritized. Perhaps new churches are no longer needed, but sacred spaces are. Does current urban planning offer spaces open to all, where we can be together around a sacred question?
Sakraaliesseet consists of performance art, performance essays, dance and organ music. The work is based on the essey Sakraaliesseet written by Henriikka Himma, which will be published in August 2025.
Sakraaliesseet will premiere in Alppila Church on 20.8.2025 as part of the 20th anniversary programme of Runokuu Festival. The work is a co-production of the Live Art Society, Mad House Helsinki and the Nuoren Voiman Liitto.
Credits:
Dramaturg and convener: Henriikka Himma
Sound designer: Nicolas "Leissi" Rehn
Choreographer and performer: Pie Kär
Actress: Julia Lappalainen
Costume designer: Hanne Jurmu
Stage and lighting designer: Saana Volanen
Architect and researcher: Kaisa Karvinen
Organist: Antti Kujanpää
Production: Henriikka Himma, Live Art Society, Mad House Helsinki and Nuoren Voiman Liitto
Supporters: Arts Promotion Centre, Kone Foundation, Wihuri Foundation, City of Helsinki and William Thurings stiftelse
Photo by Saana Volanen
SCHEDULE:
20.8.2025 at 18.00 Premiere
21.8.2025 at 18.00
22.8.2025 at 18.00
23.8.2025 at 18.00
Duration
about 1.5 h
LANGUAGE:
Finnish
PERFORMANCE PLACE:
Alppila Church
Kotkankatu 2
Accessibility Information:
Wheelchair access to the church is available through the glass doors of Kotkankatu by platform lift. Entry to the ground floor lobby is via a ramp from the same entrance. The basement hall, chapel and parish hall can be reached by a ramp through the Hangonkatu entrance via the church courtyard. Please note, there is no elevator to the third floor.
An accessible toilet is available in the church.
NOTES
The work contains loud sound and flashing lights
TICKETS
19€ / 12 €
Pay what you can tickets: 0€ / 4€ / 8€
NB! Tickets are limited, 3/performance
Ticketshop
