Part of the European Capital of Culture programme, Bang Bang Riviera! offers an intimate alternative to large events. With only 30 audience members per evening, the programme combines dance, physical theatre, media and installation art.
Bang Bang Riviera! Invites the Audience to an Intimate Art Experience in Oulu This June
Part of the European Capital of Culture programme, Bang Bang Riviera! highlights an alternative to large public events this June. The intimate art event for 30 spectators emphasizes personal connection, presence, and experiencing art from up close.
Performed over ten evenings, Bang Bang Riviera! consists of independent performances combining dance, physical theatre, as well as media and installation art. The evening features, among others, Dance Theatre Raatikko’s performance Rising Star, and Laboratorio Module 24, which was performed in Tartu during its 2024 European Capital of Culture year.
The total duration of the show is approximately 2.5 hours, including an intermission.
An International Ensemble Years in the Making
The event is produced by the Oulu-based BAM BAM Art Productions, founded by media artist Leevi Lehtinen and dance artist Milla Virtanen. According to the creators, the event aims to create an intense and personal art experience for the audience.
“The Bang Bang Riviera concept was created for the first Oulu2026 open call back in 2019. Our ensemble was visibly featured already in the Capital of Culture application book. Over seven years, the concept has evolved and matured, but the same wildness and freedom of art from the application book will be on display for the audience in June,” says director Milla Virtanen.
Performances run from June 3 to June 18, 2026, for a total of ten evenings, and tickets are now on sale. The recommended age limit for the performance is 13 years. The event is not wheelchair accessible. The performance space includes stairs and flashing lights.
The Bang Bang Riviera! event is supported by the Oulu Culture Foundation, the North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund, and the Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike). Partners include JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre, Restaurant Mallassauna, Dance Theatre Raatikko, and Oulu Urban Culture ry.