SURFACE is a dance performance inspired by mermaid myths, the Internet, femininity, the feelings of in-between and ocean as a thematic landscape. The work uses dance and visual transformation in order to observe different themes, such as gaze and agency.

The performance is loosely influenced by known stories describing mermaids and other sirens (f.ex. H.C. Andersen – The Little Mermaid) and looks through contemporary choreography into the themes of gaze, gender, power and identity. What do known – old and new – mermaid stories propose about agency? How are mermaids looked at? What kind of dance and movement does the anatomy suggest? How do known stories and tales shape our assumptions about gendered roles? How do mermaid tales and post-Internet-reality meet on stage?

The performance uses make-up, choreography and costume to introduce a character inspired by mermaids as well as post Internet-aesthetics and identities. The performance is targeted for adult and young adult audiences. The performance is a solo performed by Kasurinen, with video, sound and light as supporting bodies.

SURFACE seeks to embody a grasp of the present moment together with the old stories we grew up with, to ask questions about gaze, agency, gender and reality. It’s a part of a series of works investigating visual and bodily transformations through make-up by Kasurinen.

Choreography and performance: Tiia Kasurinen

Lighting design: Sofia Linde

Sound design: Olli Lautiola

Costume design: Annukka Havukumpu

Set design: Landys Roimola

Supported by: Arts Promotion Centre Finland

Residencies: Tero Saarinen Company / TSC Residency, Vantaan Tanssiopisto

Production: Minimi, Tiia Kasurinen

Photo: Saara Taussi

Poster: Johanna Naukkarinen

https://tiiakasurinen.com/coming-up-surface-2022/