Alpo Aaltokoski Company & Leevi Madetoja: Okon Fuoko – See me

A symphonic dance of hopes and dreams.

Veteran choreographer Alpo Aaltokoski does it again.
- Helsingin Sanomat

The ballet pantomime Okon Fuoko from 1927 is one of Leevi Madetoja’s principal works, a masterpiece in neoclassic adventure with a touch of Eastern spice. Okon Fuoko is considered the Oulu composer’s last great work, and the score demonstrates his skills in adapting the fashionable trends of his time to accommodate his own tonal language.

In the original story, a Japanese puppet-master falls in love with his own creation – with fatal consequences. This ballet’s choreographer, Alpo Aaltokoski, equates the story with today’s selfie culture:

The Internet is like a cornucopia of wishes. It’s a place where we can build ourselves an ideal partner or try to create one ourselves. All around the world, people have projected their dreams onto various mental images and artificial structures.

Work group
Choreography: Alpo Aaltokoski
Costume design: Marja Uusitalo
Lighting design: Teo Lanerva
Choreographer’s assistant: Johanna Ikola
Dancers: Johanna Ikola, Jere Jääskeläinen, Unna Kitti, Tuovi Rantanen, Jussi Suomalainen, Esete Sutinen, Jussi Väänänen
Projections: Mikko Lampinen
Dressmaker: Sarita Vepsäläinen
Graphic design: Atte Karttunen

Duration: 80 min., no intermission.
Artist discussion in Finnish after each performance.

Age recommendation: 7+ years.