On the Nightside

Spirits rise up in vengeance as humans assault nature’s resources and mess with the natural order of things, driven by their dark side. This production involves the choirs Väki and Tampereen Ihankaikkinen Kuninkaallinen Tuomiokuoro and transports listeners to a realm of demons and heathens, priests and woodland menaces. Suspenseful yet gently humorous, the production features music by Petra Poutanen and is directed by Antti Laukkarinen.

A massed choir of 70 singers presents three works in which humanity is at once great and small. In gripping yet amusing narratives, poor little people make all kinds of arrogant mistakes in their pride and greed and struggle to escape the inevitable. The forces of nature put humans in their place; the system returns to equilibrium.

The three stories depicted in the performance come from a collection of short stories, Tunturien yöpuolta (1934), by the renowned writer and ethnologist Samuli Paulaharju. During his life, Paulaharju recorded an unparalleled volume of stories, traditions and folklore of the North, resonating with Sámi names, local wisdom and cultural practices, but his only work of fiction Tunturien yöpuolta stands as an autonomous work of art. It has been translated into English, German, Polish and Italian.

The Old Priest of Kierua

This story traces its roots to a time when Christianity had just reached the northern lands, confronting ancient nature worship and stirring the collective imagination. In the tale, the deceased and once-beloved priest of the Kierua parish has returned to haunt the living, having in his life sinned by repeatedly stealing and drinking the sacramental wine. Attempts are made to lay him to his final rest — invoking both God and the Devil — but in the end, only the old troll of Kalsa wielding the forces of nature can grant him peace.

The Treasure of Rich Hannu

This tale is somewhat more recent than the others. Here, human greed drives the quest to find the legendary treasure hidden deep within the chambers of the earth. Hunters, officials, clergymen and even a band of brazen miners try their luck, but the forces of nature prove greater still, humbling humanity and reminding it of its place.

Suongil, the Great Shaman

The oldest story in the collection, Suongil, unfolds with the purity and inevitability of a classical tragedy. A great leader succumbs to his own weakness and, spurred on by others, commits a grave transgression against the sacred norms of his community. From that moment, his downfall is set in motion, leading inexorably to his final act: casting himself into the churning rapids.

Arriving

Hervantajärvi beach is located at Salmenkalliontie 52. The public is invited to arrive by public transport, walking or cycling. The venue is about 800 metres walk from the end of tram line 3. There will be a guide on site. There are some parking spaces for those who need accessibility. The location is not entirely accessible, as the performance will be seen and heard outdoors in nature.

The duration of the performance is about 75 minutes. Be prepared with weatherproof equipment, and bring a camping chair or a blanket to sit on. Especially in hot weather, remember to bring a water bottle.

Please note that this performance is not included in the Festival passes.

Produced by a working group of choirs and Culture Cooperative Uulu