Okon Fuoko - See me

The ballet pantomime Okon Fuoko is one of Leevi Madetoja’s principal works. Madetoja’s magnum opus from 1927 is an adventure in the neo-classical style, with an Eastern flavour. Okon Fuoko is regarded as the Oulu-born composer’s last masterpiece, and its melodies as a demonstration of his skill in transforming the trends of his time into his own distinctive compositional style.

In the original story of the work, a Japanese puppet master falls in love with one of his own creations, with fatal consequences. The choreographer of the abstract ballet which will now be performed, Alpo Aaltokoski, parallels the story with today’s selfie culture: “The internet is like the cornucopia of wishes, where we can construct an ideal partner for ourselves, or try to make ourselves into one. Since time immemorial, human beings have projected their dreams onto various fantasies and artificial constructs.”

Choreography: Alpo Aaltokoski | Assistant choreographer: Johanna Ikola | Composer: Leevi Madetoja| Conductor: I-Han Fu | Choir master: Kristian Heberg | Costume design: Marja Uusitalo | Seamstress: Sarita Vepsäläinen | Lightning design: Teo Lanerva | Graphic Design: Atte Karttunen | Dancers: Johanna Ikola, Jere Jääskeläinen, Unna Kitti, Tuovi Rantanen, Jussi Suomalainen, Esete Sutinen, Jussi Väänänen | Solists: Tuomas Miettola, tenor and Saara Rauvala, soprano, Oulu Chamber Choir, Oulu Sinfonia | Programme: Leevi Madetoja: Okon Fuoko, balettipantomiimi op. 58 | Production of the visit: JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre, Oulu Sinfonia | In collaboration with: Alpo Aaltokoski Company | Duration: 1h 30 min (no intermission)