"Paperisilta” (“paper bridge”) brings the joy of the theatre to reception centres

The National Theatre’s Touring Stage will begin a tour of reception centres for asylum seekers from 6 December, Finnish Independence Day.

The Vastaanotto (“Reception”) project began in spring 2011 and will continue for more than a year. The project is being implemented in three phases: field activity, Paperiankkuri (“Paper Anchor”) performed on the Small Stage at the National Theatre, and Paperisilta, which will be performed on a nationwide tour of the reception centres. The background to the project is the observation that reception centres are clearly the most deprived of all Finland’s institutions in terms of cultural provision. Why is this? What are the challenges faced by professional Finnish performers when encountering asylum seekers from various countries and putting on performances in reception centres? The Vastaanotto project is a conscious gesture on behalf of the National Theatre in support of the encounter between immigrants and the majority population.

Paperisilta is a tour performance combining movement, singing, music and theatre. The aim is to bring experiences of joy and beauty and a sense of focus into everyday life in the reception centre. The performance can be enjoyed without any understanding of Finnish. Paperisilta lasts for about half an hour, after which the performers and staff set off discussion on the feelings and ideas awakened by the performance.

The Paperisilta performers are Nina Hyvärinen (dancer), Jussi Lehtonen (actor) and Mikko Perkola (musician). The performance is directed by Hanna Brotherus, who also designed the choreography. Music and sound design is by Sanna Salmenkallio and Mikko Perkola, dramaturgy by Taija Helminen, and visual design by Katri Rentto.

For the duration of the performance activities will be arranged for reception centre residents under 10 years of age. Paperihiiri (Paper Mouse) is a workshop-type performance based on the native American Indian tale of courage, “Jumping Mouse”, and on tales told by child asylum seekers. The performance begins interactively, with silent audience participation through theatrical expression, rhythm and music. Responsibility for Paperihiiri alternates between theatre educator-actors Mirjami Heikkinen and Elisa Salo.

Tour starts from Helsinki on 6 December

The Paperisilta tour starts with three performances in Helsinki. The premiere will be on 6 December at the Kyläsaari reception centre, followed by a performance at the Kallio reception centre on 8 December and at the Punavuori reception centre on 9 December.

The Touring Stage then moves on to Kotka for 19–20 December and Siuntio for 21 December, with the turn of the other reception centres coming in 2012. The dates for these performances are listed at the end of this bulletin. Performances will be notified nearer the time to the local press for the relevant area.

The Finnish Immigration Service and the National Theatre in a new form of cooperation

The National Theatre’s Touring Stage performances are the result of broad cooperation among various authorities and expert bodies and the staff and residents of the venues to be visited. The Finnish Immigration Service, which directs the reception of asylum seekers nationally, also provides financial support for the Paperisilta tour in addition to other forms of cooperation. This means that all reception centres and group homes for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers will have the opportunity of staging this performance for the entertainment of their residents.

Finland currently has 22 reception centres and 20 asylum units for minors. These premises accommodate around 4,000 asylum seekers, of whom around 200 are unaccompanied minors.

The Vastaanotto project is implemented through cooperation with the Finnish Red Cross and the Central Union for Child Welfare.

Tour timetable

2011

6 Dec Helsinki, Kyläsaari, premiere

8 Dec Helsinki, Kallio

9 Dec Helsinki, Punavuori

19 Dec Kotka

20 Dec Kotka

21 Dec Siuntio

2012

11 Jan Kontioniemi

12 Jan Kontiolahti

13 Jan Kontiolahti

14 Jan Helsinki, Metsälä

14 Feb Espoo

15 Feb Turku

16 Feb Turku

17 Feb Vaasa

20 Feb Espoo

23 Feb Rovaniemi

24 Feb Kemi

5 Mar Lammi

6 Mar Ruovesi

15 Mar Punkalaidun

16 Mar Punkalaidun

19 Mar Pietarsaari

20 Mar Oravainen

21 Mar Oravainen

27 Mar Ruukki

28 Mar Oulu

29 Mar Oulu

30 Mar Oulu, Pudasjärvi

Paperisilta will be performed at the Kajaani reception centre in spring 2012 during Kajaani Poetry Week, and at the Joutseno and Kristiinankaupunki reception centres during autumn 2012.

Bulletin issued by the Finnish Immigration Service and the Finnish National Theatre 29.11.2011