Birds Of Paradise Ensi-Ilta

Tiia Kasurinen
BIRDS OF PARADISE

Tiia Kasurinen's Birds of Paradise draws inspiration from the courtship dances of birds of paradise, showmanship, love songs, and longing. The choreographic work examines how both birds and humans construct rituals to be noticed, accepted, and chosen - the result is a physical and playful exploration of power, gender roles, and vulnerability.

Alongside the courtship dances, the work is inspired by stereotypical masculinity: showmanship, combat sports, boy bands, princes, and club culture. On stage appear four utopian birds of paradise whose costumes are from costume designer Leevi Ikäheimo's No Pain No Glamour collection, which explores hypermasculinity.

An early version of the work was selected for the final of the Danse Élargie choreography competition in Paris in 2024 - the first time a Finnish work reached the final in the competition's history. Kasurinen graduated from Stockholm University of the Arts from the dance art programme in 2017, and her choreographies have been presented at, among others, Dance Base in Yokohama, the One Dance festival in Bulgaria, Inkonstst in Sweden, as well as at the Helsinki Festival and Zodiak - Centre for New Dance.

Birds of Paradise is part of the Nykyesityksen näyttämö programme. Nykyesityksen näyttämö, operating in Studio Pasila, brings new forms of performing arts to the Helsinki City Theatre's programme and creates encounters between the permanent professional theatre and practitioners from the independent sector.

Supporters and partners: Koneen säätiö, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Institut Finlandais, pARTir, Dansé Elargie, Zodiak - Centre for New Dance / Loisto, Helsinki City Theatre's Nykyesityksen näyttämö

Residencies: Cité Internationale des Arts, Atelier De Paris, Saaren kartano, Helsinki City Theatre's Nykyesityksen näyttämö