Project Description
Laulu väelle Vellamon is a contemporary dance work grounded in Finnish mythology and myths related to water. The piece draws its inspiration from the story of Aino in the Kalevala, from the source material behind the character, and from how that story continues to resonate.
Elias Lönnrot constructed the character of Aino from several Finnish and Karelian oral poems. In the Kalevala, Aino is forced against her will to become Väinämöinen’s wife, but instead of marrying him, she chooses to drown herself. Laulu väelle Vellamon presents the creators’ interpretation of what happened to Aino after she drowned and entered the realm of the water spirits and Vellamo.
The narrative unfolds across three parts: a dialogue between Lönnrot and his colleague as they contemplate the creation of Aino and the role of the Kalevala in Finnish society; Aino’s story as shown in the Kalevala and as imagined forward by the artistic team; and the team’s own onstage conversation as themselves, reflecting on the Kalevala’s contemporary relevance and the impact of Aino’s story on us today.
The work combines dance, singing, theatre, puppetry, and music. Its ending is participatory, inviting the audience to join a waltz with the water folk of Vellamo’s kingdom. The Vellamo puppet featured in the piece was created by Anu Nummelin.
Director-choreographer: Minna Tikkanen
Composer: Juho Rantonen
Performers: Juho Rantonen, Minna Tikkanen and Anu Nummelin as a puppeteer
Light designer and technical operation: Topi Marin
Premiere: 12/08/2023, Teatteri Sujo, Iisalmi
Photos: Tommi Lehto and Jaana Innanen
The work was supported by the City of Iisalmi, the Ylä-Savo Foundation and patrons
