A Leisure Trip and Time Travel Through the Heart of Jätkäsaari

A walking tour-style theater performance. The leisure trip began at Teatteri Viirus, during which the audience took a guided tour through Jätkäsaari. Along the way, they encountered both residents from the early 20th-century villa era and current Jätkäsaari inhabitants and communities.

The time travel also peeked into the future and prehistory. It showcased both old and new visions of the residential area, taking visitors to places they wouldn’t otherwise stumble upon or access.

The performance included musical scenes, opera singing, and parkour numbers. It also explored the pioneering spirit of humanity and where Jätkäsaari’s unique character might crystallize in the future.

The performances were carried out in collaboration with Jätkäsaari’s communities and volunteer performers.

Direction and Script: Jonna Wikström and Janne Saarakkala
Set and Costume Design: Paula Koivunen
Choreography: Soile Ojala
Actors: Maria Ahlroth, Iida Kuningas, Jessica Raita, Jan-Christian Söderholm

Other Performers: Tarja Hailikari, Lea Halla-aho, Janette Hirvonen, Sylvi Hosio, Marjo Höglund, Panda Ilén, Nina Kallonen, Rachel McIntosh, Anssi Rantanen, Thea Reikko, Alex Salmijärvi, Emma Tiilikainen, Siiri Vesikansa

Press Photos: Sara Forsius
Poster Image: Jonna Wikström

Director’s Note

For the first time we moved through Jätkäsaari, it felt as though we were immersed in an architect’s vision. The question arose: Does this new residential area have an identity, a heart?

In creating city performances, or theater performances that move through urban spaces, the goal is to see the environment as a series of changing stages. One must pause at various locations and let the imagination flow. For example: that block resembles the silhouette of New York, that stretch of street almost screams for a musical number where everyone suddenly starts dancing, and could an urban bear stroll down that unfinished alley eating popcorn? At the same time, the locations are seen with fresh eyes; they begin to speak for themselves. The city environment is no longer just a stage but one of the performers, giving direction and form to the work.

We want to offer you this experience: Jätkäsaari with new eyes, Jätkäsaari speaks.

We also want to provide glimpses into urban and architectural design visions. Why is Hyväntoivonpuisto shaped the way it is? Who designed Jätkäsaari as a villa district a hundred years ago, or what is a biodiversity roof? The performance answers these questions. Buildings and parks begin to speak and feel closer when you know something about the thought processes behind them, or when you meet the designer.

But ultimately, there is only one possible answer to the question of the residential area’s identity, its heart. It is the people and communities of this district. The residents and workers here breathe warmth into the streets, blocks, and homes. This is what happened to us when we created this performance with the people of Jätkäsaari. The architectural vision warmed and took on the vibrant, authentic form of Jätkäsaari. The heart has been found.

Warmly welcome,

Jonna Wikström & Janne Saarakkala

Directors and Writers