ÄIJÄ

Äijä was a dance performance and an art installation presented at the Rifle Gallery in Suomenlinna. It consisted of two main elements: the daytime installation Äijä's museum, which combined glass art, sound, and light, and the evening ÄIJÄ dance performance.

The work explored power structures between feminine and masculine energies, reflecting the contradictions between traditional gender roles and contemporary ways of thinking. It raised the questions: What is a person allowed and able to be in our increasingly polarized world? What defines a white, middle-aged heterosexual man?

In today’s society, various phenomena compel us to acknowledge privileges and power structures. It's not inherently wrong to differentiate people based on traits, as understanding often comes through recognizing differences. However, diversity becomes problematic when linked to a hierarchy of value imposed by systems of power.

The piece premiered on August 17, 2023, in Suomenlinna as part of the Power of Dance Festival. It was produced in collaboration with the Governing Body of Suomenlinna.

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Choreography, direction, texts, concept Marjaterttu Willman

Sound design Tatu Vanhatalo

Lighting and projection design Eero Alava

Costume design Aapo Siikala

Performers Emmi Pennanen, Jukka Tarvainen

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Photos by Mirka Kleemola/Imagenary

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