Wakey-wakey

A ritualistic contemporary dance performance that dives into the depths of the subconscious, a revivalist movement that invites you to wander into the twilight zone of the mind.

  • 22.9.2022 at 19–20.30
  • 24.9.2022 at 15–16.30
  • 25.9.2022 at 15–16.30
  • 28.9.2022 at 19–20.30
  • 30.9.2022 at 19–20.30
  • 1.10.2022 at 15–16.30
1st floor, Kiasma Theatre
Tickets: paid
Ticket sales online end one hour before the show. After this, tickets can still be purchased at Kiasma's information desk if there are any left. The ticket includes admission to the exhibitions on the day of the performance. Duration: approx. 1h.

Mikko Niemistö, Wakey Wakey, 2021. Photo: Finnish National Gallery, Pirje Mykkänen and Sofia Pyy.

About the performance

Wakey-wakey is a contemporary dance performance which creates a psychedelic space

Wakey-wakey is a stage performance, which creates a psychedelic space that promotes transitions from one layer of the subconscious to another. The piece relies on songs and texts echoing the times of change, trance, love and death.

Wakey-wakey dives into the internal reality of the mind by using ritualistic structure. Awakening in the performance is to become aware of the streams of the subconscious: a noise that lies under everyday life and is only glimpsed in memories of nightly visions and lapses into reverie. 

Wakey-wakey is like a revivalist movement that invites to wander into the shadowy realms of the mind.

The performance has some texts and songs in English.

The artists

Mikko Niemistö

Mikko Niemistö is a choreographer, performance artist and curator based in Helsinki and abroad. He has created solo works as well as multidisciplinary pieces that embody a dialogue between artistic disciplines. His works explore the relationship of the human body to its environment as well as our conscious and unconscious bodily connections to social structures.  

Karolina Ginman

Karolina Ginman is a dancer and choreographer based in Helsinki. She is interested in the deeply sensed and thoroughly lived creative body that speaks its poetry beyond reason.  

Johannes Vartola

Johannes Vartola is an artist and sound designer based in Helsinki. His work typically involves the philosophy of humanity’s relationship with nature and the politics of spaces and places. Vartola’s specialities are experimentalism, audience participation and documentary.  

Justus Kantakoski

Justus Kantakoski is a fashion designer and performance artist whose mediums are contemporary art, handicraft, performance art and video art. Their work has been awarded in Finland as well as internationally.  

Teo Lanerva

Teo Lanerva is a freelance lighting and video designed based in Helsinki, Finland. He works with contemporary performances, concerts and events ranging from small underground clubs to festivals. He has been granted a säde-award and his designs have been performed in more than ten countries. 

Elina Lifländer

Elina Lifländer is a stage designer, spatial artist and lecturer at the University of the Arts Helsinki. Her artistic works are focused on experimental performances and installation art, where invisible mental spaces meet the performance space and its audience.  

The team

Artistic concept: Mikko Niemistö 
Choreography and songs: Mikko Niemistö together with Karolina Ginman
Performers: Karolina Ginman, Justus Kantakoski, Mikko Niemistö & Johannes Vartola 
Texts: Mikko Niemistö
Costume and Knitwear designer: Justus Kantakoski 
Pattern and Knitwear design: Emilia Kuurila
Sound design and live music: Johannes Vartola 
Lighting design: Teo Lanerva 
Spatial design: Elina Lifländer
Artistic dialogue: Jenni-Elina von Bagh
Producer: Mikko Niemistö and Kiasma Theatre
Residencies and collaboration: Ehkä-production / Kutomo, Alpo Aaltokoski Company

Location and accessibility

Kiasma Theatre is located on the first floor, at the opposite end of the building from the main doors. The theatre has no numbered seats. Jackets and bags can be left to Kiasma’s cloakroom for free.

The top level of Kiasma Theatre is accessible. We recommend to contact Kiasma’s info before if a place for a weelchair is needed.

Similar events