tender
hellänä - tender is a dance piece that combines movement, sound, and punk aesthetics, exploring the experiences of aging queer and trans people in caring for others while stretching the boundaries of reality. The lived histories of different generations of touch, intimacy, and human relationships are embodied on stage through dance and music as gestures of communication and intimate everyday acts.
hellänä - tender reveals the realities and different types of relationships dreamed of by its performers: platonic, sibling-like, even romantic. It presents care as utopian dreams, intimate encounters, and challenging moments in everyday life—tiredness, arguments, distancing, breakups, and reconnections. The work invites the viewer to examine how caring can be personal, political, and collective at the same time.
The work is the culmination of the Reality Research Center's multi-year Rainbow Generations community art project (2023-2026), in which rainbow seniors perform and participate in various aspects of the work's creation. The Rainbow Generations project creates community and a sense of belonging for queer and trans seniors in the form of art workshops and art-based home visits. In addition, various events are organized within the framework of the project to facilitate intergenerational encounters.
Working Group
Direction & choreography: Eevi Tolvanen
Artistic dialogue & production: Riikka Lakea
Performers: Aamos, Eero, Johanna, Julius, Kikka, Seppo Kiuru
Band: Anukatariina Saloheimo, SariKristiina Beck & Välly
Pianist: Kuisma Savisalo
Set design: Una Auri
Costume design: Angela Mugisha
Sound design: Nori Kin
Lighting design: Vilma Vantola
Mentoring, dramaturgical discussion: Olga Spyropoulou, Katja Kirsi, Marianne Savallampi
Production: Mad House Helsinki & Reality Research Center
Supporters: City of Helsinki, Kone Foundation, Arts Promotion Center & Reality Research Center
Photo: Val Nevalainen
SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 26, at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, March 27, at 6:00 p.m. + artist meet-and-greet
Saturday, March 28, at 3:00 p.m. + celebration
LOCATION
Parvisali, Tekstin Talo Lintulahdenkatu 3, Helsinki
TICKETS
€10–40
Ticket shop
NOTE: Reserve a wheelchair space and an assistant ticket by email after purchasing your ticket, if necessary. Assistants can attend the performance free of charge.
