Nano Steps – a particle performance is a non-verbal performance that portrays an uncanny relationship between two entities across scales and boundaries. The performance inquires what happens when a physicist encounters invisible particles in the spotlight of a microscope. A group of puppeteers harness the methods of applied physics on the stage of studio Pasila. The performance takes the spectators into a basement laboratory where research is unpredictable.
Nano Steps started with a question of what the world’s smallest puppet could be. Trial & Theatre group indulged into a meandering and unpredictable research process, during which they called world-famous professors, travelled to Cornell University, to Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and to laboratories of Aalto University. The non-verbal performance to be seen at studio Pasila interweaves science with object theatre and brings for the first time a manipulation technique learned directly from physicists to stage: the technique of manipulating/treating/handling micro-sized particles. The performance is not science fiction, but rather a fiction of science.
WORKING GROUP Nano Steps is the first premiere by Trial & Theatre – group formed by trio Alanen-Hanikka-Syrjä. The objectives of the group is to reach out for free and unruly research processes where science and puppetry collaborate while blurring each other’s boundaries. Director: Aati Hanikka Dramaturg: Iiris Syrjä Sound designer-musician: Valtteri Alanen Performer: En Ping Yu Light designer: Jere Suontausta
PERFORMANCES
Nano steps – a Particle Performance premiered 8 August 2023 at the Helsinki City Theatre’s Stage for Contemporary Performance in Studio Pasila. The performance is available for touring. The working group is working on another version of the show. In Nano Steps – Into the Lab audience will be invited into the lab on stage. It will premiere and opening week on April 11th to Alfred ve dvoře Theatre, Prague, Czech Republic. Later both versions of the show will be touring. More info: https://www.trialandtheatre.com/
Age recommendation: for adults, 7 + Duration: 50 min (no intermission) Language: non-verbal
Nano Steps is created collaboration with Helsinki City Theatre, Aalto University, Itai Cohen (Cornell University), Aura of Puppets, Studio Alta and the Physics department of Czech Academy of Sciences.
The work is supported by Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Finnish Cultural Fund, Helsinki City Theatre, Aura of Puppets, Nordisk Kulturfond andSamuel Huber art foundation.
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Thank you Aurinkobaletti, Grus Grus Theatre and Metropolitan puppets.
More about the background and techniques used in the performances on Aura of Puppets blog (In Finnish):
Fysiikan sovelluksia nukenkäsittelytekniikoiksi – osa kaksi: Suspensiot ja origamit
Fysiikan sovelluksia nukenkäsittelytekniikoiksi – osa kaksi: Suspensiot ja origamit
