JoJo’s program in 2025 consists of JoJo’s own productions and guest performances.
Valvesali
Wed 26.11. at 19, Premiere
Thu 27.11. at 19, Audience Discussion
Fri 28.11. at 19
Sat 29.11. at 19
Sun 30.11. at 15
KokoTheatre, Helsinki
3.12. | 5.12. | 10.12. | 12.12. | 13.12. at 19
14.1. | 16.1. | 17.1.2026 at 19
Event at KokoTheatre
Sami Saikkonen‘s work Scene for a Man and a Woman – The Third Encounter is a touching dance journey to the heart of a relationship.
Experienced dancers Minna Tervamäki and Sami Saikkonen take the audience on an intense journey of exploration into the world of emotions, needs and expectations. Their natural and present performance draws the viewer into a choreography that reflects the sensitivity, conflicts and aspirations of a relationship.
The production draws on influences from both modern dance and classical movement language, skilfully combining them with music and lighting design. This unique combination creates a powerful atmosphere that challenges the viewer to look at relationships from a new profound perspective.
A Scene for a Man and a Woman – The Third Encounter is an intelligent and touching performance that leaves an indelible impression. It is an opportunity to experience the power of dance to move, touch and open up new perspectives.
Solo 1
Choreography: Minna Tervamäki | Dance: Minna Tervamäki | Music: Juho Suominen | Light Design: Jukka Huitila
Solo 2
Choreography: Sami Saikkonen | Dance: Sami Saikkonen | Music: Ofelia Adrastea | Light Design: Jukka Huitila
A Scene for a Man and a Woman – The Third Encounter
— when you love so much it hurts…
Choreography: Sami Saikkonen | Dance: Sami Saikkonen & Minna Tervamäki | Music: Seven industrial sounds, Nicholas Lens , Ofelia Adrastea | Light Design: Jukka Huitila | Text: Sami Saikkonen, Esko Salervo
Production: JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre | Duration: 1h 20 min (includes intermission)
Sami Saikkonen and Minna Tervamäki danced Saikkonen’s piece Kohtaus miehelle ja naiselle (Encounter for a Man and a Woman) in Houston over 20 years ago. The work, combining dialogue and movement, dealt with two young adults falling in love and the early stage of their relationship. Young faces, dreams, beliefs, hopes, assumptions.
Now both dancers have retired from the National Ballet, rebuilt their identities, and faced death: Saikkonen in a plane crash and Tervamäki in a tsunami. Encounter for a Man and a Woman – The Third Encounter draws on the life experiences of Saikkonen and Tervamäki, while simultaneously reflecting on the original 1997 piece. How do you tell the story of two people in their fifties, when it is still unfinished?
The work explores the complexity of reunion, memories, and the passage of time. It is a story tinged with nostalgia and introspection about the chance meeting of two people in their fifties, who once shared a significant connection.
Sami Saikkonen
Sami Saikkonen is a dancer, choreographer, and director whose work moves fluidly between ballet, contemporary dance, and theatre. He is known for his precise musical sensitivity and strong stage presence.
Saikkonen is also a passionate pilot and flight instructor.
His artistic collaboration with Minna Tervamäki has continued for more than three decades.
Minna Tervamäki
Minna Tervamäki is a dancer, choreographer, and multidisciplinary researcher of movement whose career spans more than four decades. She is known as a star soloist of the Finnish National Ballet and as a bold artist who crosses the boundaries between art forms.
Tervamäki and Sami Saikkonen have shared a long artistic partnership and dialogue since 1990.
A passion for the element of air also unites them — Tervamäki is currently an avid indoor skydiver.
For more information: minnatervamaki.com
23 e (regular tickets) / 17 e (children, students, pensioners) / 12 e (JoJo member-priced ticket)
Kaikukortti: 6 tickets / performance.
From Ticket office at Cultural Centre Valve and Ticketmaster.fi
Numbered seats!
Duration: 1h 20min, including intermission
Please remember to follow the general safety and hygiene instructions for events.
