Suojelija (multispecies ethic)

Handed-handless, legged-legless, thoughtful-mindless.

Would it be possible for us to experience the living things around us as more than just a resource?

Suojelija contemporary dance production deals with the connection between humans and other animal species through bodily empathy. Bodily empathy towards other species refers to the ability to understand and share emotions, qualities and experiences through bodily experience.

The production sees people as part of a world where they should join a multi-species world in a curious, understanding, appreciative and creative way. Feeling, sensing and living existence is an equal right for all species.

Suojelija emphasizes perceptions, experiences and sensory information as a source of information, so that man is not reduced to a mere “headed”, rational being and mind without body. The five dancers and violinist create a culture of corporeality inspired by primitiveness on stage.

Concept, direction & Choreography: Joona Halonen Costume Design: Anne Hiekkaranta | Set Design: Joona Halonen & Anne Hiekkaranta | Sound Design: Johanna Storm | Light Design: Luca Sirviö | Music: Emilia Lajunen | Dancers: Linda Holma, Salla Korja, Heli-Maria Latola, Satu Rinnetmäki, Saara Töyrylä| Photos: Uupi Tirronen, Mikko Mäntyniemi | Producion: JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre, Tsuumi Dance Theatre | Duration: 45 min | Age recommendation from school age upwards. | The performances on Friday 29.11. and Saturday 30.11. contain partial nudity.

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Bodily empathy for animals refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings and characteristics of animals through bodily
experience.

It is necessary for humans to recognise emotional states such as fear, joy or pain that are conveyed by an animal’s body language, vocalisation or other behaviour.

Bodily empathy can also mean that we can even experience emotions similar to those of the animal itself. This naturally leads to a desire to protect and help animals and improve their welfare.

Connecting with animals and understanding their species-specific behaviour can enrich our own lives and increase our understanding of the diversity of nature and life.

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The choreographer and director of the production, Joona Halonen, graduated as Master of Arts in Dance from the Theatre Academy in 2000. After graduation, Halonen has worked as a freelance choreographer, dancer and pedagogue in Finland and abroad in the free field, commissioned works and art schools.