Recover Laboratory: Secret Island – Contemporary circus adventure for the whole family

Description

The Secret Island tells the story of exploring a mysterious world and the joy of discovering it. You might even find new friends when you dare to adventure.

A curious, yet somewhat lonely figure is on a mysterious island. Suddenly, something glitters in the turquoise sea, and a message in a bottle invites the figure to an adventure. On a journey full of surprises, the figure balances on glass bottles, makes art with soap bubbles from a storm, spins light wheels and plays with magical jellyfish and funny marmots. Welcome to a fascinating adventure!

The Secret Island was created by Recover Laboratory’s Inna Huttunen and Susanna Liinamaa. The group’s surrealistic works and art experiences are based on contact between people, honesty and freedom created by art. In 2024, the group received the Circus Maineteko Award for its work in promoting new forms of performing arts and equality. Last year, the group represented Finland in the final of the Circusnext competition. The Secret Island originated as part of this process.

The performer, Circus Artist Susanna Liinamaa, specialises in the manipulation of objects, cultural well-being and children’s performances. The work has been written, directed and designed by Experience Designer Inna Huttunen together with Liinamaa. The delicious visual world is the work of Visual Artist Sofi Häkkinen and Lighting Designer Kauri Klemelä. The hypnotic music has been composed by Samuli Kivelä, who is also responsible for the sound design. DJ Frog, i.e., Elisa Luukkainen is a music and music education professional who believes that joy is our home frequency and movement is a natural way for people to be. Choreographic and dramaturgical consultants were Cirko’s Director and Dramaturg Jarkko Lehmus, dance artist Krista-Julia Arppo and daycare centre-aged Alvar Lehto.

Direction, script & concept: Inna Huttunen & Susanna Liinamaa
Performance: Susanna Liinamaa
Sculptures and staging elements: Sofi Häkkinen
Lighting design: Kauri Klemelä
Sound design and music: Samuli Kivelä
Dramaturgical and choreographic consulting: Jarkko Lehmus, Krista Arppo and Alvar Lehto
Production: Recover Laboratory & Cirko – Centre for New Circus
Patrons: Arts Promotion Centre Finland, City of Helsinki, Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth 2024

Duration: 30 min
Age recommendation: 3+
Language: non-verbal