Paperia

“Paperia” is a contemporary dance piece whose themes include memory, preservation, and identity in a rapidly changing urban culture. The work is composed of short scenes and atmospheric images in which different movement techniques—contemporary dance, circus, and parkour—blend together. The piece uses elements such as thread and metal, old and new, cold and soft.

“For me, the artistic process began with studying an old knitting technique passed down through my family. I started practicing this disappearing craft in order to keep it alive in the future. As I knitted, I felt that something which could be entirely my own was in fact foreign to me, a part of a vanishing world.”

Iiro Näkki’s solo work “Paperia,” aimed at young audiences, is the debut production of Playground Co., and it will premiere in May 2026.

Coreography and Performer: Iiro Näkki | Sound Design: Touko Kemppainen | Light Consultation and Excecution: Mikko Kaukonen | Historians Consultation: Jenni Räikkönen | Production: Hitaat Liikkeet ry / Playground Co. & JoJo – Oulun Tanssin Keskus | Supported by: Taike -Taiteen Edistämiskeskus, Vivicas Vänner