Note: No longer in repertoire!

Performance dates and performers:

Fri 19.4. at 18.30 Sanna-June Hyde, Studio Pasila
Sat 20.4. at 18.30 Mikko Virtanen, Studio Pasila
Tue 30.4. at 18.30 Kari Arffman, Studio Pasila
Thu 2.5. at 18.30 Leena Rapola, Studio Pasila
Sat 4.5. at 18.30 Sanna Majuri, Studio Pasila

Please note: The performance does not involve audience participation. The text contains strong language, including calling people stupid and idiots, as well as references to sex and transition.

I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR WEEKS FOR A YEAR MY WHOLE LIFE TO DECIDE
WHAT I WOULD SAY ABOUT THIS
AND HOW I COULD SAY IT IN A CIVILISED WAY
SO THAT THE MESSAGE WOULD GET THROUGH

Alku keskikohta loppu is an anarchic spoken-word performance in which an actor delivers the play to the audience prima vista, seeing the text themselves for the first time.

The performance draws on frustration with the tedium of theatre and the straight way of life. It proposes a different kind of theatre, testing the limits of moderation and incompleteness. The artistic starting point was to explore what it is like to write without self-criticism or self-censorship—and how to bring such a text before an audience. The result combines a dramatic reading, spoken word, a DIY aesthetic, a PowerPoint show and a piano concerto.

Creative team
Concept, text, direction: Arni Rajamäki
Costume and spatial design: Jenni Räsänen
Sound and lighting design: Elle Kokkonen
Pianist, musical arrangement: Tarmo Rajamäki
Consultant: Jaakko Pallasvuo
Dramaturg: Tarleena Laakko
Photos: Sanni Siira, Arni Rajamäki
Text operation: Alvi Haapamäki
Sound and lighting operation: Elle Kokkonen

Previously presented at: Hangö Teaterträff 2023, Blaagaard Teater & Katapult Teater 2023 (Pink Pavilion -festival), Teatteri Takomo 2023, Tampereen teatterikesä 2022, Taideyliopiston Teatterikorkeakoulu and Vapaan taiteen tila 2021

Actors who have previously appeared in the performance: Sara-Maria Heinonen, Anna-Sofia Tuominen, Hanna-Kaisa Tiainen, Eero Ritala, Herman Nyby, Seidi Haarla, Inke Koskinen, Arttu Soilumo, Markku Haussila, Niina Hosiasluoma, Anna Airola, Josefine Fri and Kristofer Möller.

Nykyesityksen näyttämö brings diverse forms of contemporary performance to Helsinki City Theatre’s programme. Nykyesityksen näyttämö is supported in 2024 – 2025 by Koneen Säätiö.