Spirit animal

Spirit Animal is an interactive dance theatre performance that actively engages children.

4.4.2024
Malmitalo
45 mins

In the performance, characters Kaisla, Kiira, and Tuisku embark on adventures while reading fables to one another.

A fable is a very old form of storytelling, usually in the guise of an animal tale that carries a moral lesson. Inspired by these fables, Kaisla, Kiira, and Tuisku set out to find their own spirit animals. The search leads them through creatures of the North, and the audience is invited to join the journey!

The performance sparks reflections on the value of animals and humans. What should animals receive from humans? And what can humans gain from animals? A spirit animal strengthens a child’s self-esteem and sense of agency. Children are encouraged to explore their own abilities and strengths through the qualities of animals.

Set against the backdrop of a global environmental crisis and biodiversity loss, the performance is highly topical. It acts as a voice in support of preserving the diversity of nature.

The show features fables by Aesop and Phaedrus. The Northern Spirit Animal Cards included in the performance bring animal beliefs, related myths, and hidden abilities to our awareness.

The costumes in Spirit Animal are made from recycled clothing.

Choreography, direction: Marjaterttu Willman

Costume Design: Aapo Siikala

Performers: Jonna Aaltonen, Kaisa Niemi, Tanja Illukka

Music: Mr.Scruff, Rinneradio, Propellerheads, Sarah Neufeld, Sväng, Kid Koala

Photos by Stanislav Belyaevsky

Why book this piece?

Children have a great time!

The performance encourages them to interact. A Putous-style guessing segment invites kids to guess animals and their empowering traits based on the dancers' improvisations, making for an engaging and playful experience.

Dance and Theatre

The performance combines dance with theatrical elements. The performers use mime and spoken dialogue, interacting directly with the audience.

Spirit Animal Cards

The Northern Spirit Animal Cards featured in the performance showcase the richness of our native wildlife. Using the cards, the show introduces animals that live wild in the Nordic region.

FablesThe fables in the performance enrich the general knowledge of young audiences.

A fable is a very old form of storytelling, usually presented as an animal tale with a moral lesson. The worldview of fables differs significantly from that of fairy tales, with which they are often confused or compared.

Katsojien kommentteja

The performance doesn't underestimate children. It does not provide a pre-chewed one; for example, the fox does not have a tail in this performance but the fox is created by movement.
The dramatugy and theme of the performance work very well. In addition, the performance is in tune with the present day!
Awesome and a great team!
The dancers' skill and ability to empathize was amazing!
Ei arvosteluja

tech rider

All technical details and requirements are listed in the technical rider