Moving in November 2026 Mikko Niemistö: The Tormentor

The clown—or the fool—tends to appear in moments of crisis and renewal, balancing on the threshold of death and (re)birth. As a reflection within the current times of distress, choreographer Mikko Niemistö resurfaces the clown as an entertainer, a provocateur, and even a spiritual figure. The Tormentor builds up as a weird and sacrilegious clown performance—a solo that creates cracks in this archetypal theatrical character and places it in the frame of contemporary choreography. In the piece, Niemistö draws from his past studies of physical theatre, fusing them with his practice of associative and improvisational movement practices. Inspired by dances, traditional clown routines and the upside-down world of carnival, the work draws from historical manifestations of clowns and jesters, from medieval carnivals to Finnish pre-Christian and monstruous pagan figures—exploring the roots of the clown, combining rituals, transgression, and humor.

The performance is part of Moving in November 5.–15.11.2026. As part of the festival, Niemistö will take part in an open Soup Talks discussion on the 10^th of November at noon in Caisa.

Please note: The performance contains nudity