Tero Saarinen‘s latest large-scale choreography is a frenzied and ritualistic fight for nature on the eve of destruction. The creation is set to an orchestral trilogy by composer Sebastian Fagerlund, combined with spatial sound design and electronic music of Tuomas Norvio. The stage design centers on an animated film installation by visual artist duo IC-98.
“Even though Transit portrays erosion and destruction, I wanted the piece to convey hope of a new beginning. It is the time to rediscover our connection with nature.
There are forms, frequencies and volumes in flora and fauna that exert a powerful influence on me, nourishing my ideas and physical expression… Nature and bodies are one and the same.”
– Tero Saarinen
”Gesamtkunstwerk – simultaneously disturbing and hopeful”
- SYDSVENSKAN
”One of the most exquisite and impressive works of Tero Saarinen's career.”
- DEMOKRAATTI
”Dystopia with hope for change”
- DANSTIDNINGEN
”Mirrors grand themes using mythical imagery”
- RONDO
“Frighteningly beautiful – – mixes the classical with the experimental.”
- KRISTIANSTADSBLADET
Orchestral trilogy Stonework (2015), Drifts (2016–17) and Water Atlas (2018) is composed by Sebastian Fagerlund, one of the most accomplished European composers of his generation. The volumes of nature, present in Fagerlund’s work, are in constant discourse with Tuomas Norvio‘s electronic music and spatial sound design. All the elements, including impressive film installation by IC-98, create a vast, rugged landscape.
The digital evening programme of Transit includes footage that takes you on a tour behind the scenes! Get to know the creation’s themes in choreographer Saarinen‘s own words, and read about Fagerlund‘s music and Norvio‘s sound design, as well as IC-98‘s video projections. You can easily access the content, designed especially for mobile devices and tablets, from the link below.
Open the evening programmeChoreography & Concept: Tero Saarinen
Music: Sebastian Fagerlund (Drifts, Stonework, Water Atlas)
Sound design and electronic music: Tuomas Norvio
Video: IC-98: Visa Suonpää, Patrik Söderlund
Lighting design: Minna Tiikkainen
Costume design: Teemu Muurimäki
Choreographer’s Assistant: David Scarantino
Rehearsal Directors: Satu Halttunen, Henrikki Heikkilä
Animators: Kari Kuusela, Markus Lepistö
Dance (12 dancers on stage) | Jenna Broas, Annika Hyvärinen, Elina Häyrynen, Oskari Kymäläinen, Mikko Lampinen, Natasha Lommi, Pekka Louhio, Mikko Makkonen (Dance Theatre Minimi), Emmi Pennanen, Minttu Pietilä, Sofia Ruija, David Scarantino, Tiemen Stemerding, Riccardo Zandonà, Saida Solla, Jing-Yi Wang
Production
Skånes Dansteater and Tero Saarinen Company
Premiere
World premiere at Malmö Opera on 3 October, 2020.
Finnish premiere at Merikaapelihalli (The Cable Factory) at Helsinki Festival on 19 August, 2021.
With thanks to
Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation
The Ministry of Education and Culture Finland
Anonymous donors
Performance photos
Skånes Dansteater / Carl Thorborg
Tero Saarinen Company / Kai Kuusisto and Pekka Ala-Pietilä
Cable Factory
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Postal address: Tallberginkatu 1 / 74
FIN-00180 Helsinki Finland
Tel: +358(0)9 681 31 881
Email: info(at)terosaarinen.com