This Week: Comical Kallo Collective & Cirko Festival
When the Nordic countries have finally thawed out every May, circus artists from around the globe gather in Helsinki to attend and perform at Cirko Festival. This year the festival takes place from May 12th until the 21st and boasts performances from Finland’s own Kallo Collective as well as a host of shows by other Finnish companies.
I recently had the pleasure to interview both Cirko’s new director Riku Lievonen about the highlights of the festivities, and the festival’s own funny darlings, Kallo Collective on the world premier of their new show Chameleon. As if that weren’t enough, there are trailers too.
A Few Words with Riku Lievonen
How long has the Cirko Festival been running?
The first festival edition took place in May 2006. So this is 12th edition.
Is the festival important to European circus and how?
Cirko festival´s programme is international. The idea is to present new and fresh Finnish productions and well known international artists or productions. A main target group is the local audience but the festival works also as a window to audiences abroad for the Finnish companies. The festival often fascinates international professionals such as programmers, bringing them to Helsinki.
What is something new about the festival this year?
We have a nice bunch of new Finnish productions, made by emerging companies like Cie Nuua and Blind Gut Company. We’re featuring the world premiere of Chameleon by Kallo Collective and for children Pessi and Illusia by artist professor Pirjo Yli-Maunula and her team.
What is a tradition you are happy to see continue at the festival?
A high level of programme and a sparkly festival atmosphere!
Can you give us a quick preview of the top events and shows?
A few top hints are Circa´s What Will Have Been at the Finnish National Theatre. It is a beautiful piece by incredible acrobats. This is also the Australian company’s Finnish premiere. Secondly, Cie Nuua´s Taival, which is a trip throughout absurd scenes and a visually strong mixture of different performing arts styles.
Interview with Kallo Collective
A trailer of Kallo Collective’s show Chameleon
A trailer of Cie Nuua’s show Taival
A trailer of Circa’s show What Will I Have Been
Riku Lievonen began as the Cirko – Center for New Circus ́s director in January 2016. Lievonen joined Cirko from his previous position as producer of the performing arts programme at Helsinki Festival. Before Helsinki Festival, he has worked at Kiasma Theatre, established Turku365 – A large scale urban art project organization, Cirko, CircusInfo Finland, as well as with Circo Aereo. Lievonen was also a member of the National Council for the Performing Arts 2015-2016.
Featured image courtesy of Pekka Mäkinen.
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