WAUHAUS: The Companion

Enocounter with a robotic dog for one person at a time. The event is part of Kiasma’s Rock, Paper, Scissors exhibition’s programme.

  • 23.9.–5.10.2025
1st floor, Kiasma Theatre
Tickets: 18 / 10 / 5 €
Encounter & museum ticket: 18 / 10 €, encounter only 10 / 5 €. Ticket sales online only. SOLD OUT. Sat 4 & Sun 5 Oct performances are CANCELLED.
in English, in Finnish, suitable for children

Photo: Sofia Okkonen

About

These robots can’t feel, but we feel for them…
– Kate Darling, The New Breed (2021)

The Companion is a private encounter between one audience member and a robotic dog. In the performance, the robot entices the human participant into different negotiations, interactions, and play. The encounter harnesses our innate curiosity and empathy towards all moving beings. What kind of agency are we willing to embrace? Are we ready to surrender to and trust a non-human companion?

More information, arrival instructions and accessibility,

The performance is for one person at a time. The duration of one encounter is approx. 15min. Check the performance times for each day via the Tickets button. Please arrive directly at the Kiasma Theatre’s foyer 10 minutes before your scheduled time!

Children aged 5 – 12 can experience an adapted version together with an accompanying adult.

Language is in English, but can be performed in Finnish if needed.

If you are attending the performance in a wheelchair or require assistance with mobility, please purchase your ticket from the online store and inform the Kiasma service desk of your arrival time in advance: info@kiasma.fi tai +358 29 450 0501.

Unfortunately, the performance is not fully accessible to people with visual and hearing impairments.

WAUHAUS

WAUHAUS is a Helsinki-based multidisciplinary arts collective that was founded in 2016. The collective’s works are situated between different genres of art and they take place at various venues, such as small black box theatres, urban sites, large stadiums, and the main stages of established theatre houses. The members of WAUHAUS are scenographer Laura Haapakangas, director Juni Klein, scenographer Samuli Laine, sound designer Jussi Matikainen, choreographer Jarkko Partanen, sound designer Heidi Soidinsalo, and Managing Director Julia Hovi. WAUHAUS is known for their comprehensive audiovisual stage aesthetics and methods of shared authorship. The collective collaborates with other artists and institutions both in Finland and abroad. Read more: wauhaus.fi

Credits

Artists: Jarkko Partanen, Jussi Matikainen, Laura Haapakangas / WAUHAUS 

Visual Design of the robot: Kari Kankaanpää
Light Design: Mia Jalerva
Software Design: Aki Panuma (Probot)
Producer: Julia Hovi
Co-production: WAUHAUS (Helsinki), Black Box teater (Oslo), Kiasma Theatre (Helsinki).
In collaboration with Probot
Supported by: Nordic Culture Point, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, The Arts Promotion Centre Finland,
City of Helsinki