About the work
Variations of Foreign Origin investigates foreignness and familiarity. Most of the man-made borders are artificial, but some divisions are crucial in order for us to comprehend the reality and different phenomena. People often feel a need to belong to a certain group. Variations of Foreign Origin creates groups that engage in a dialogue through movement on stage.
Variations of Foreign Origin is strongly a dualistic dance piece presenting contradictory groups of dancers and movement material on stage. The dance piece demonstrates antagonism we make in our everyday life. The motifs are built on collectivity. It is important that dancers seemingly represent different human types. Contradictions bring us closer to the current world where things and people get mixed in an accelerating pace. Variations of Foreign Origin has a societal framework where the violent world with rapists and suicide bombers assimilate into fragile and poetical.
– Petri Kekoni
Choreography and concept: Petri Kekoni
Production for 6 dancers (2 male and 4 female) & a pianist
Dancers: Jonna Eiskonen, Saku Koistinen, Eero Vesterinen, Terhi Vaimala, Sofia Ylinen, Esete Sutinen.
Pianist: Tuija Hakkila
Composition: Jovanka Trbojevic
Lighting design: Matti Jykylä
Costume design: Joanna Weckman
Producer: Maria Junno (2017), Akseli Kaukoranta (2009)
Production: Petri Kekoni Company
New premiere: 19.4.2017 Tiivistämö, Suvilahti, Helsinki
Premiere: 13.9.2009 Tiivistämö, Suvilahti, Helsinki
Review quotes
“Variations of Foreign origin creates violent imagery and contradictions. The viewer has to choose who to watch and follow, whose side to take.
Clear and strong movement, and dynamic jumps of the virtuoso dancers is effectively alienating. Strong dichotomy makes one interpret the dance piece as a portrayal of current state of the world”
– Maria Säkö, HS, April 2017
“The beauty of Petri Kekoni’s newest dance piece is dark and penetrating … tension and dialogue between the piece and its surroundings has been lifted to a new level.”
“Kekoni’s expression is strong and accentual but simultaneously soft and fragile. I’It reveals how small is the difference in between aggressive and friendly movement. How easy it is to get trapped in the violence when trying to protect oneself and to pay back the abuser.”
– Annikki Alku, Demari, November 2009
“Petri Kekoni’s choreography bares exhilarating richness and enchanting physicality. Characteristic author has persistently developed his movement language and the ship is sailing windward. Variations of Foreign origin offers a demanding but rewarding viewing experience.“
– Tuomo Railo, Liikekieli.com, February 2010
