Sakraaliesseet – An Encounter of Contemporary Performance and Modern Church Architecture at Alppila Church, 20–23 August 2025, as Part of the 20th Anniversary Program of the Runokuu Festival
Sakraaliesseet asks where we can come together to reflect on the joys and sorrows of life, as well as its existential and cosmic questions, as part of everyday experience. Alppila Church is also an example of a broader phenomenon: many modern churches built between the 1960s and 1990s are being demolished or closed due to lack of use and structural issues.
Through contemporary performance, Sakraaliesseet explores the spaces of sacred architecture, both as private and collective experiences. The working group engages with the ongoing change in urban structures and society and reflects on how these changes affect the lives of individuals. Perhaps new churches are no longer needed – but we still need sacred spaces. Are there open spaces in today’s urban planning where everyone can gather and experience the sacred together?
Sakraaliesseet consists of performance art, performance essay, dance, and organ music. The performance is based on the essay Sakraaliesseet written by Henriikka Himma, which will be published in August 2025.
Sakraaliesseet is part of the Runokuu festival’s 20th anniversary programme and is a co-production by the Live Art Society (Esitystaiteen seura), Mad House Helsinki, and the Nuoren Voiman Liitto.
Sound designer: Nicolas “Leissi” Rehn
Choreographer and performer: Pie Kär
Performer: Julia Lappalainen
Costume designer: Hanne Jurmu
Set and lighting designer: Saana Volanen
Architect and researcher: Kaisa Karvinen
Organist: Antti Kujanpää
Image: Saana Volanen
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