HELMIME tour in Helsinki libraries

Description

The HELMIME Library Tour visited Helsinki libraries in the springs of 2022 and 2023. The tours also included extra performances at Annantalo A•stage on Helsinki Days.

The tour’s performances consisted of several varying mime études. Their themes varied from comical to touching, but were suitable for all ages. The non-verbal and free-of-charge performances reached all audiences no matter their language skills.

After the performances, we had artist discussions where audience members could comment what they had seen or ask questions about mime.

Audience Comments

Great performance, thank you! Of course I had to come and watch, as you so rarely see mime in Finland.
The mime études were surprising, delightful and touching. They felt in turns comically familiar and endearingly charming, and the glimpses they provided of everyday life made everyone laugh!

Performances

  • 12 Jun 2024 at 4:30 pm
    Annantalo A•stage (Helsinki Day)
  • 12 Jun 2023 at 5 pm
    Annantalo A•stage (Helsinki Day)
  • 13 May 2023 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Etelä-Haaga library
  • 6 May 2023 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Jakomäki library
  • 22 Apr 2023 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Oulunkylä library
  • 15 Apr 2023 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Vuosaari library
  • 25 Mar 2023 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Rikhardinkatu library
  • 12 Jun 2022 at 3 pm
    Annantalo A•stage (Helsinki Day)
  • 28 May 2022 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Pitäjänmäki library
  • 14 May 2022 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Suutarila library
  • 23 Apr 2022 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Lauttasaari library
  • 9 Apr 2022 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Tapulikaupunki library
  • 2 Apr 2022 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Roihuvuori library
  • 19 Mar 2022 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Pohjois-Haaga library
  • 12 Mar 2022 at 1 pm
     and 2 pm
    Paloheinä library

Details

The tour was produced in collaboration with Auraco and Helsinki City Library.
The tour was supported by the City of Helsinki and Arts Promotion Centre Finland.

Mime Études

Eliška looking at her hand in horror, both hands raised from the elbow

Ouch!

Eliška Kasprzyk
Well, sometimes things don’t go exactly the way we wish, so if you think you ever had a bad day… you didn’t. But someone else had and you can laugh about it.
Eliška holding her hand against her cheek, looking like in pain
Tomaš crouching a bit, holding his imaginary horns

Eternal Fight

Tomaš Kasprzyk
Light and Darkness, Good and Evil, God and the Devil. How will the endless rivalry end? Who will win? Who is stronger? You will witness it in this comedic and definitely not serious piece.
Tomaš on his toes with arms a little apart, appearing larger than usual
Kati standing and petting her imaginary cat on the chair

Oh, the Cat!

Kati Lehtola
Cats are very cute pals, but at the break of dawn Bob the cat’s nature might get a bit exhausting. Especially if you forget to feed her…
Kati looking shocked, holding her imaginary cat that jumped on her lap
Tomaš putting an imaginary mask on his face

2020

Tomaš Kasprzyk
A journey to the recent 2020 experience and how all the disinformation messed up our heads in the process. A fun probe into ridiculous thoughts some people can have.
Crazy-looking Tomaš pointing forward with his left arm, the right arm bent behind his back
Tomaš covering his face with his hands, next to him Eliška is having an ahaa moment

Immortals

Eliška Kasprzyk & Tomaš Kasprzyk
A story about an inventor and his invention. What will happen in the laboratory? Can teaching feelings to an artificial intelligence be dangerous? See for yourself in this light-hearted story.
Tomaš, looking a bit confused, looking into the direction pointed by Eliška, who looks excited
A troubled customer is running away, as the witch’s companion is about to land on his shoulder

Witch’s Shop

Eliška Kasprzyk, Tomaš Kasprzyk & Kati Lehtola
Enter the witch’s shop and meet the witch, her faithful companion and their troubled customers in this magical trio étude!
The witch is handing her excited customer a flask. Her faithful owl companion stands behind her and stares at the customer.
Eliška on stage, almost crying and holding her hand on her chest

Just Breathe

Eliška Kasprzyk
Emotions are sometimes flowing like a wild river. Relationships can be affected by this flow. That makes life an adventurous ride through the amusement park of our inner landscapes that our emotions are creating. But everything gets to be good in the end. So enjoy even the darker moments, as nothing lasts forever.
Eliška on stage, laughing and lifting her skirt
Tomaš on stage in little boy’s clothes, holding his invisible mother’s hand

At the Zoo with Mom

Tomaš Kasprzyk
This is Tomaš’ oldest mime etude, or you could say it is his first watchable etude. He made it when he was 7 years old. It’s about a curious little boy enjoying the animals in the zoo with his easily annoyed and impatient mother.
Tomaš on stage in little boy’s clothes, looking very excited through an invisible glass wall
Kati on stage, slightly bent against an invisible work desk, with an invisible mouse in her hand

Books – Reality!

Kati Lehtola
Remote life and real life mix up in this dancy mime étude, which looks into feelings and mishaps from the past two years. The étude was originally custom created for the opening ceremony of the University of Helsinki’s academic year 2022–2023.
Kati on stage, looking worried at her side, with her arms spread like wings
Photos: Minna Hatinen
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