Three strong, mysterious and vaguely dangerous women on stage. Breathtaking visions of light and scenery.  Articulate, soft, strong and meditative contemporary dance. Tunes by Brahms, Bach and Chopin, disturbed by a contemporary soundscape. These are the elements of choreographer Arja Raatikainen’s latest work Numen.  This abstract piece is, in the words of Raatikainen herself, “a search for the intertwining ties between woman, animal and deity. The elements blend into a multifaceted movement, an image of humanity.” Arja Raatikainen (b. 1958) is one of the most important Finnish contemporary choreographers. Her works have been highly inspirational, effecting both fellow choreographers and dancers, as well as lighting and sound designers. Raatikainen is also an important teacher who worked as a professor of dance at the Theatre Academy of Finland between 1995 and 1998.  After this period she was Artistic Professor of Dance until 2003. During these years Raatikainen created works such as Comments (1998), Omen (1999), Opal-D (2000) and Labile Mobile (2002), all highly acclaimed both in Finland and abroad. Raatikainen is one of the four dance artists promoted and produced by Nomadi Productions.

with Jonna Eiskonen, Jenni-Elina Lehto, Terhi Vaimala

Choreography: Arja Raatikainen
Set and lighting: Jukka Huitila
Sound: Antti Nykyri
Costumes: Marja Uusitalo
Costume realisation: Anne Aario, Marja Uusitalo
Music: J. S. Bach, J. Brahms, F. Chopin
Electronic sound compositions: Antti Nykyri
Premiere: 25.7.2006, Full Moon Dance Festival, Pyhäjärvi
Information: www.nomadi.fi / [email protected]