LOST CITY – Experience Park Turku 2011

LOST CITY: EXPERIENCE PARK TURKU 2011

Part of Turku’s European Capital of Culture program

Team:

  • Artistic Director: Janne Saarakkala
  • Directors: Jonna Wikström (Info kiosk presentation tours), Pekko Koskinen (games), and Janne Saarakkala (others)
  • Performers: Sami Henrik Haapala, Janna Haavisto, Pentti Halonen, Anna Torkkel, Jonna Wikström, Pirjo Yli-Maunula, Janne Saarakkala + assistants
  • Choreographer: Pirjo Yli-Maunula
  • Photography, Graphics, and Web Pages: Tomi Hurskainen
  • Web Pages: Toni Alatalo
  • Production: Pirjo Yli-Maunula / Flow Productions

Lost City presents: Experience Park Turku 2011 was a seven-day dramatized urban event in Turku, held from July 21-27, 2011. It consisted of performances, excursions, and games, offering both traditional and novel ways to experience the city. The event featured professionals from theater, dance, media, and role-playing from Turku and other parts of Finland. It was an independent sequel to the Experience Park in Oulu, from autumn 2008 (Lost City presents: Experience Park Oulu 2008). The Experience Park gives a role not only to its creators but also to its audience, and even to the city itself: The creators portrayed engineers from Lost City Oy, who build city-sized experiences. The audience played tourists from the future, visiting an almost perfect replica of the mysterious Turku from the ancient year 2011.

By combining various techniques, the audience was distanced from their familiar everyday environment, with the city presented within fictional frameworks: new, inspiring, and ever-changing in significance. Turku transformed into a game board, an experiential field where the audience could choose different approaches (website, theater performance, club, city tour, role-play) and select the intensity of their experience in three levels: observer, participant, creator. Turku was seen as a vast art world exhibition, where everything was art: buildings, shops, people, pigeons, pastries, and blades of grass. Through various guided tours, Lost City showcased works (renaming and redefining locations), and when a visitor wanted to join the play, they were invited to participate in a tour. I was responsible for writing and directing the info kiosk tours.

INFO KIOSK TOURS

Direction and Script: Jonna Wikström

1.ACTIVE TOUR TO THE NORWEGIAN NATURE

“Enjoy the Fresh Air, Vigorous Walk, and Norwegian Culture”

On this tour, you’ll explore Norway’s breathtaking nature through the journey of Peer Gynt, where every heart beats for the land of mountains and waters. Norway, regarded by many as the most beautiful and affluent, is an outstanding destination. Its pristine, majestic nature, long coastline, and numerous sights and recreational opportunities attract many visitors.

2. OLYMPICS (Ancient Greece)

Faster, Higher, Stronger (Citius, Altius, Fortius)

The Olympia tour is not just a trip; the Olympic ideal is a philosophy of life that combines the balanced development of the human body, will, and mind. Olympism merges sports, culture, and education with the goal of promoting a lifestyle where joy is found in effort, educational values are derived from good examples, and global ethical principles are respected. On this tour, you will be guided to the sacred core of Olympism. Take your seat in the stands and enjoy the Olympic ideal! JUST DO IT!

3. HAIKU

“Personal Lyric Meditation”

Haiku refers to a Japanese three-line poem with 17 syllables. The Haiku tour is a guided experience starting from Lönnrot Park, near the corner of Linnankatu and Aninkaistenkatu, and proceeds in tranquil silence.

4. SIGHTS AND ARTWORKS

See famous landmarks, historical buildings, and monuments on a walking tour of Turku’s city center. The guide will lead you through the jungle of cultural capital sights.

5. MUSTELÄISKÄ TEST

“Find Out What Ails You in Turku 2011”

In 2011, everyone in Turku was afflicted by something. Five personality traits dominated that year, which will be revealed on the walking tour. Participate and find out what exactly troubled you in Turku 2011.

6. RIIUUREISSU

“Make Your Dream Partner a Reality”

On this tour, you will explore love rituals and create the perfect partner for yourself, just the one you need. A drink is included in the price.

7. INSTANT IPANEMA

“Light Luxurious Beach Vacation”

Combine a beach vacation with the vibrancy of Turku city. This luxurious moment offers the chance to enjoy a mini-vacation, even during a lunch break. Book your spot now, as availability is limited.

8. EMOTIONS

“Order a Performative Emotion”

Emotion tours are available with a guide or can be self-conducted. Choose an emotion from the list that you need, want to get rid of, or are simply interested in today. BASIC EMOTIONS: LOVE, ANGER, COMFORT 1, COMFORT 2, HOPE, DISAPPOINTMENT, PASSION (for 2), MELANCHOLY, SHAME, NOSTALGIA, FEAR / ANXIETY.

HOUSE SPECIALS: REVENGE TOUR, MEMORY TOUR OF SIGHTS