Did you know that “hiisi” originally referred to sacred groves used by Finnic peoples for rituals and burials of loved ones?

Lehtolaulu takes you to the hiisi – we explore groves, the journey there, and our own relationship with the mythologies of forests. This multidisciplinary piece invites you to feel, reflect, and associate freely.

Performances

Vapaan Taiteen Tila, Helsinki

WEDNESDAY

Vapaan Taiteen Tila, Helsinki

THURSDAY

Creative team

Music: Adel Mekhane in collaboration with Vesteri Ollinen

Choreography: lida Nikander

Set Design: Kyu Kim

Lighting Design: Paavo Ojapelto

Costume Design: Milo Mänty

Soundscape: Miska Lamberg

Dancers: Ida Vu, Leo Terävä, Nelia Naumanen and Sonia Lautenbacher

Musicians: Riku Kovalainen and Santeri Saari

Visuals: Eevi Kaila

Production

KATOAVA Collective 2025

in collaboration with Helsingin kaupunki, Taiteen edistämiskeskus, voup, teemaa & Yeastie Boi.

In the twilight of Stansvik. The body as an intermediary between nature and destruction. Excitement, fear, anticipation and suddenly it was over. What state does it take you to when you see what has happened there?

Hämärässä kuulen sen, miltä suljen silmäni (2024) continues the series started by the KATOAVA collective's first dance film Ympärilläni, vihreät siivet (2023) in which the collective records forests in danger of being cut down as part of their art.

PREMIERE 19.10.2024 Oranssi ry, Helsinki

Filming and editing: Valde Paananen

Sound design: Miska Lamberg

Dance and coreography: Iida Nikander

Costume design: Henna Laine

Graphic design: Noa Joulin

Colour grading: Jaro Koho

Still photography: Eero Koistinen

Production: KATOAVA Collective 2024

Surrounded by Green Wings is a dance short film by KATOAVA collective. The film explores the relationship between young people and urban nature and was shot in Helsinki in the maple forest of Kumpulanmäki, which is designated for logging. In the film, two dancers express their profound bond with their city’s natural beauty. The film radiates warmth, vitality and a sense of curiosity, but it also takes a stand on the city's zoning decisions. The dance segments of the film draw inspiration from the surrounding nature, combining delicate yet also dynamic acrobatic movement language.

The film is supported by a three-part sound installation, where young people from Kumpula share their relationship with nature.

The project was funded by the City of Helsinki. KATOAVA's art has also been featured at the Urban Apa X Ateneum festival and exhibited at the Penthouse art space.

PREMIERE 20.8.2023 Penthouse ry, Helsinki

Filming and editing: Valde Paananen

Sound design: Miska Lamberg

Dance and coreography: Iida Nikander & Nooa Kenttä

Production: KATOAVA Collective 2023

SOUND INSTALLATION