Kirka – Surun pyyhit silmistäni
Note: No longer in repertoire!
A work that probes the nation’s common musical memory about a unique artist whose voice is part of the soundtrack of Finnishness.
Kirill Kirka Babitzin from Helsinki is an unforgettable chapter in the history of Finnish music. A unique artist whose voice is part of the soundtrack of Finnishness. The musical play Kirka – Sorrow Wipes My Eyes will have its premiere ten years after the artist’s passing. Although Kirka was not the first Finnish artist to sing and record rock, she was the first true rock star and icon, an idol of the masses. His unique voice and energy as a performer elevated him to girls’ naps and the object of parental disapproval – or appreciation. He was not a modest boy next door from a rural village, but an exotic and unrestrained rock icon, the likes of which people were not used to in Finland – and from which one does not recover easily. Kirka has sung herself into the hearts and depths of the Finnish soul with rock, funk and r&b as well as ballads and schlager songs. The play features many familiar characters from Kirka’s life and songs from Kirka’s long career. The play, which explores the nation’s collective musical memory, includes hits such as Hetki lyö, Leijat, Daa-da, daa-da, Hangaillaan, Surun wipeit silmistani. The premiere will take place at the Peacock Theatre in February 2017.
Peacock Theatre, Tivolikuja 1
Cast: KIRKA – Kalle Lindroth/Heikki Ranta, Sami Hokkanen/Juha Lagström, Rauno Ahonen, Jon-Jon Geitel, Sari Haapamäki, Sofia Hilli, Ilkka Kokkonen, Petrus Kähkönen, Kai Lähdesmäki, Kari Mattila, Vappu Nalbantoglu, Unto Nuora, Emilia Nyman, Sami Paasila, Tiina Peltonen, Raili Raitala, Inka Tiitinen, Marjut Toivanen, Mikko Vihma, Sonja Arffman, Nomi Enckell, Jaakko Hellsten, Rosa Herpiö, Saara Kaskilahti, Paulus Kähkönen, Petteri Lassila, Vera Lillqvist, Taneli Läykki, Alvari Stenbäck
Control Kari Rentola
Choreography Mindy Lindblom
Conductor Risto Kupiainen
Set designAntti Mattila
Costumes Elina Kolehmainen
Lighting design William Iles
Sound Design Aleksi Saura, Janne Brelih
Camouflage and hairstyles Henri Karjalainen, Anu Laaksonen, Jaana Nykänen, Aino Hyttinen
