Agora – Two Mermaids in an Empty Pool is an unruly performance in which the unveiling of the statue escalates into an insatiable water game
Minna Lund, one of the most followed directors of the new generation, and her working group will bring an unruly performance to the stage of the Helsinki City Theatre’s Contemporary Performance, in which the audience is invited to take part in a festive event of new proportions.
Agora – Two Mermaids in an Empty Pool begins with an enigmatic premise. An art donation from an unknown artist has appeared in front of the Helsinki City Theatre, and as a result, a statue committee has also been established in the theatre. The members of the committee have decided to keep the sculpture and erect it only temporarily on the stage of Studio Pasila. The sculpture’s associations of radical friendship have swam into the hearts of the committee, and it is decided to publish the work and dedicate it to the loyal audience of the City Theatre. The performance takes the audience towards a surprising and unpredictable event that celebrates solidarity and friendship. “I have been inspired by statues in public spaces and the life around them. What kind of image of the nation have they wanted to build and what have been given monumental proportions? I want to make a work in which the sharing of resources and friendship would be monumental, and whose formal language is characterised by platonic exuberance and playful lightness. In a time of divisive politics, being together is a prerequisite for changing what causes sadness. It’s surprisingly much easier to be in a miserable situation together than alone,” says the director of the performance, Minna Lund. The cast includes Emelie Zilliacus, Salla Loper and Leenamari Unho. The set design is by Riku Suvitie, the costumes by Ella Snellman, the lighting design by Tuomas Honkanen, the sound design by Axel Ridberg and the camouflage by Noora Laukkanen. The dramaturg of the performance is Martta Jylhä.Agora’s performances are licensed to serve alcohol in the auditorium, which is why the performance is prohibited for children under 18 years of age. Agora – Two Mermaids in an Empty Pool premieres on 29.4.2025 and performances until 10.5.2025 at Studio Pasila (Ratamestarinkatu 3). Tickets: basic ticket €25 and student ticket €12.50 (Mon-Thu) #agora #nykyesityksennäyttämö @hktfiHelsinki City Theatre ticket sales and customer service by phone (09) 3940 22 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket offices Ensi linja 2, Mon-Fri 12-17, Eläintarhantie 5, Sat (on performance days) 11-18.30 and one hour before the performance and Lippu.fi, Mon-Sat 9-21, Sun 10-16, tel. 0600 900 900 (2 €/from min+local network charge) www.hkt.fi In the photo: Salla Loper and Emelie Zilliacus. Photo: Jussi Ulkuniemi. Further information, media ticket reservations and interview requests:Kaisa Pelkonen, Communications Manager, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788 (until 28.2.2025)
Emmi Linnankivi, Communications and Marketing Manager for the Stage of the Current Performance, emmi.linnankivi@hkt.fi, 050 440 1612 (1.3.2025 →)
Helsinki City Theatre, Ensi linja 2, 00530 Helsinki