The evening features two powerful solo performances exploring identity, womanhood, and the depth of human experience through movement and storytelling.
Turku City Theatre presents a special evening of contemporary dance and dance theatre with Lisi Estaras and Maria Nurmela. The two internationally renowned dance artists will perform two personal and evocative solo works on the Sopukka Stage, exploring a deep and personal journey.
For over twenty years, Argentine dancer and choreographer Lisi Estaras has been dancing with Alain Platel’s renowned Flemish dance company, Les Ballets C de la B. She developed her own methodology called ‘monkeymind‘, which approaches dance as an impulsive flow of thoughts around themes like confusion, humour and ambiguity. Now Lisi Estaras’s new critically acclaimed work #THISISBEAUTY is shown for the first time in Finland!
#THISISBEAUTY is a solo of 50 minutes. A performance consisting of 50 thoughts on identity, gender, sexuality and the life and body of a dancer. Inspired by the stories of other 50-year-old women and the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Lisi Estaras creates autobiographical, physical and verbal fiction. It is an intense and captivating performance that challenges the boundaries of communication.
Maria Nurmela’s new solo work As you like it is a captivating farewell to tights, tutús and Cuckoo Bells. It is a poignant homage to dance history, memory, and the inevitable passage of time. The name of the work refers to William Shakespeare’s famous play with the same title and touches upon themes of identity, societal roles and personal choices. Through movement, objects and symbols, Nurmela highlights the theme of freedom of choice: the possibility to interpret and experience life in one’s own way. The deeply personal and evocative piece invites us to reflect on transformation and legacy. Nurmela is known for her rich international career and collaboration with renowned choreographers like Tero Saarinen and Theo Clinkard.
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This double bill is a co-production of Turku City Theatre and the Regional Dance Center of Western Finland and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Regional Dance Center of Western Finland. Lisi Estaras and her working group’s visit is also supported by the Flamish Cultural Authorities through the International Presentation (TIP) mobility grant.
Concept, choreography and dance by Lisi Estaras
Dramaturgy Sara Vanderieck
Sound design Tom Daniels
Lighting design Helmut Van den Meersschaut
Costume design Marie Szersnovicz
Costume design Atelier Odile Dubucq
Philosophical advice Carla Carmona
Artistic advice Kristien De Proost
Production and communication Hilde Debuck and Nicole Petit
Production MonkeyMind Company
Co-production Festival Bits of Dance Brugge (B), MA Scène Nationale Pays de Montbéliard (F)
Residencies KAAP Brugge, MA Scène Nationale Pays de Montbéliard, Tanzhaus Zürich, BAMP Bruxelles CAMPO, Les ballets C de la B and KC Nona (studio)
As you like it (Premiere 30.1.2025)
Idea and concept by Maria Nurmela, together with Lisi Estaras
Choreography, texts and dance Maria Nurmela
Sound design Jaakko Vastapuu
Lighting design Erno Seppälä
Production Maria Nurmela
Supporters include the Arts Promotion Center of Finland, the Regional Dance Center of Finland, Turku City Theatre, TOP-Foundation, and the Turun Theatre Foundation.
Residences Pro Manilla Foundation, Aurinkobaletti
Photos by Tom Leentjes (Lisi Estaras) and Vesa Loikas (Maria Nurmela).
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