Stella Polaris’ amazing improv evenings in November at studio Pasila
During November, the renowned improvisation group Stella Polaris will visit the stage of the Helsinki City Theatre’s studio Pasila with two different productions. The full-length play Stella goes Hollyböle will premiere on 1 November, and the Stella P. by night improv clubs, which will begin on 10 November, will feature Stella’s own performers as well as an actor from the Helsinki City Theatre.
Stella goes Hollyböle invites the audience to the East Pasila entertainment centre, Studio Pasila, where the performances may include suburban romance, murder mysteries and big dreams. The audience always has the opportunity to influence the content of the performance, and the genre can vary from detective stories to romantic comedy, farce or musicals. The legend of improvisational theatre Stella Polaris brings a touch of stardust, phenomenal situations and exhilarating comedy to Studio Pasila.
The changing performers of Stella goes Hollyböle are Jussi Vatanen, Niina Sillanpää, Tiina Pirhonen, Tobias Zilliacus, Teijo Eloranta, Sari Siikander, Outi Mäenpää, Mikael Rejström, Kirsti Kuosmanen, Elina Stirkkinen, Sari Havas, Annika Poijärvi, Ville Tiihonen and Jami Hyttinen.
At the city’s hottest late-night improv clubs, Stella P. by night , anything is possible, as performers dive into the deep end of comedy and drama without oxygen devices. Jussi Vatanen, Mikko Penttilä, Sari Havas, Niina Sillanpää, Mikael Rejström, Teijo Eloranta, Elina Stirkkinen and Jami Hyttinen perform at the clubs hosted by Sari Siikander on changing evenings. In addition, a guest performer from the Helsinki City Theatre will take the stage every night: Kari Arffman, Jouko Klemettilä, Eija Vilpas, Sanna Majuri or Eero Saarinen.
In addition, musicians Topi Korhonen, Hannu Risku, Iiro Ollila and Jouni Kannisto will take turns on stage. The lighting design of the performances is by Ainu Palmu, Jari Piitulainen and Jyri Suominen.
Tim Orr, a respected American improvisation instructor and performer who has collaborated with Stella Polaris since 1996, will arrive at the premiere of Stella goes Hollyböle on 1 November, and will continue to train the group this autumn.
“Making improvisation is a very exciting and unique experience when you share it with other people. As an artist, I love the opportunity to use the many facets of improvisation: acting, writing, spontaneity, group, movement, etc. And of course, it’s very rewarding to be in the middle of a theatrical movement that is growing and changing its form,” Tim Orr describes the reasons for the growing popularity of improvisational theatre, and says that he is looking forward to continuing his work with the talented actors of Stella Polaris.
As an improviser, Tim Orr has been influential in the San Francisco improv groups BATS Improv and 3 For All since the 80s. He spends much of his year around the world, working with numerous improv groups. Orr has taught improvisation at the American Conservatory Theatre and Stanford University, as well as in many communities and companies. Her specialty is the long form of improvisation, which has been Stella Polaris’ trademark for decades.
Founded in 1990, Stella Polaris is Finland’s longest-running and most renowned improvisation theatre. In addition to performance activities, Stella Polaris’ activities include improvisational theatre training.
Tim Orr can be met at Studio Pasila on 1 November at 6 pm. Interview requests: Stella Polaris, producer Sari-Anne Nahkuri, 050 573 7004, toimisto@stella-polaris.fi.
Stella goes Hollyböle 1.-29.11.2018 and Stella P. by night 10.-30.11.2018 Helsinki City Theatre’s studio in Pasila
Tickets 34 € (incl. PM)