An experimental performance by the artist Essi Kausalainen performed in an atelier apartment in Tapiola
Barbara and the Tail, directed and visualized by Essi Kausalainen, is an experimental performance on knowledge production and knowing otherwise. Essi Kausalainen is Espoo Artist of the Year 2023.
Barbara and the Tail, directed and visualized by Essi Kausalainen, is an experimental performance on knowledge production and knowing otherwise. Kausalainen is the Espoo Artist of the Year 2023.
The piece is co-created and performed by performance artist Florian Feigl, percussionist Minna Koskenlahti and actor Yuko Takeda.
Operating through text, sound and movement, the performance presents Barbara and her companions Chromosome and Field. The Tail that has gone missing in the evolutionary process, is also an important agent in the performance, as is the room accommodating the piece. The performance takes place in an atelier apartment in Tapiola.
The performance is informed and inspired by Barbara McClintock (1902-1992) and her research. As a pioneer of cytogenetics, she researched the inheritance of the Indian corn in her unique and inventive way. According to McClintock, her research was a collaboration, and friendship, with the corn cells. Radically ahead of its time, the research wasn’t recognized until decades later. Instead of the complex research results, Barbara and the Tail focuses on McClintock’s unprejudiced attitude and endless curiosity; the ability to think and act otherwise.
Duration of the performance is about 1 hour and languages are Finnish, English, German and Japanese.
The performance venue is not easily accessible, as you have to enter the space via steep stairs.
Performances:
17.5. 19:00 (sold out)
18.5. 19:00
19.5. 19:00
20.5. 15:00
The performance on 20 May will be streamed live. Join the live stream through this link: Join the webcast(external link, opens in a new window)
Tickets & inquiries:
aija.hannula@gmail.com
Working group:
Concept, directing, text, textiles: Essi Kausalainen
Performance: Florian Feigl, Minna Koskenlahti, Yuko Takeda
Productional and scenographic structures by: Aija Hannula
Lighting design: Sofia Ivarsson
The project is supported by the City of Espoo, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Kone Foundation, and Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Europe.