Review: Keijukaisneuvos Koo

Fantasy and laughter

This is exactly what children’s dance theatre is like at its best. Fantasy, laughter and surprises with a touch of original philosophy that leaves room for both young and old viewers to come up with their own insights.

Keijukaisneuvos Koo is a sympathetic character with a tendency to ceremonial and sentimental, who likes civilized words. With a cup of tea in his hand, he walks and presents his scientific studies to his audience. By going through the personal fairies of the week, Koo, aka Jyrki Karttunen, manages to deal with such big themes as time and love.

The fairies themselves are captivating types. It’s Rococo Monday (Sofia Ylinen), and nothing is going well. Tuesday (Mikko Paloniemi) is a pretty ordinary day, but there is a little angry guy living inside this elf as well. Wednesday (Sofia Hilli) is a slightly dramatic flamenco-inspired redhead that you have to wait for. Thursday’s male faun (Eero Vesterinen), on the other hand, is a wonderfully soft mover. Friday (Heidi Naakka) is just such a wonderful day, freedom and beauty. With flowers in her hair, she jumps on little grand jets and stretches her ankles. This was perhaps the most traditional of the fairies, and my 6-year-old companion’s favorite. Saturday (Jenni-Elina von Bagh) is a mischievous guy who is always trying to steal the show. Sunday (Kai Lähdesmäki) is Koo’s own favorite day, a bit like himself. Then there is time to sing, tap dance or even fly.

The performance makes use of the old effects and magic of theatre and film. How captivating can be a tennis match between Thursday and Friday, even though we see the ball in the tip of the stick. Karttunen’s movement language can be used in many ways and is also suitable for the supernatural world of fairies – this also contributes to making them personal, as do Tuomas Fränti’s compositions. The whole visual world was delightful, reminiscent of many fantasy movies. The work also had a touch of dark tones. You never really know about fairies (and other spirit flights).