Taking the male-coded archetype of the warrior as a point of departure, SOTURIT by Anne-Mareike Hess examines critically what strength means in today’s world. What kinds of bodies are allowed to be strong?
In the piece, three dancers remain on a battlefield where armor meets softness, and where combat is as much emotional and symbolic as it is physical. Together they build a fragile yet fierce alliance that challenges gendered expectations and questions traditional notions of power. Through repetition and exhaustion they carve out space for connection and tenderness, redefining what it means to be strong.
The choreography is by Luxembourgish artist Anne-Mareike Hess. SOTURIT -performance is based on her own solo performance called WARRIOR, which premiered in 2018 and is still touring around Europe actively. In 2026, Anne-Mareike will continue her interest in the topic and create a new performance for three Finnish dancers called SOTURIT.
Surrounded by a textured and immersive soundscape, SOTURIT is a deeply poetic and embodied journey to the edge of becoming. In this new piece, Hess continues her exploration of femininity, identity, and agency. Where WARRIOR stood alone, SOTURIT transforms the individual quest into a collective ritual amplifying the resonances of resistance, strength, and gentleness.
The piece is a co-production by Dance Theater Minimi and Regional Dance Center of Eastern Finland.
Dancers: Virva Torkko-Muñoz, Eevi Kinnunen and Tuija Lappalainen
Sound designer: Marc Lohr
Lighting design: Tatu Vuori
Original light designer: Brice Durand
Costume customization: Laura Enbuske based on the original costume by Mélanie Planchard
Dramaturgical advise: Heike Bröckerhoff
Original dramaturgy: Thomas Schaupp
Production: Dance Theater Minimi and Regional Dance Center of Eastern Finland
Partner: utopic productions
Photos: Petra Kuha
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