Canzonetta al'antique

Soitinnus: piano.

Ruokalistoja : Restaurant du Grand Theatre d'Helsingfors

Diner 17.11.1877

Reflexive model of research-based theatre – processing innovation at the crossroads of theatre, reflection and practice-based innovation activities

Contemporary organisations have to embrace the notion of doing ‘more with less’. This challenges knowledge production within companies and public organisations, forcing them to reorganise their structures and rethink what knowledge production actually means in the context of innovation and how knowledge is actually produced among various professional groups within the organisation in their everyday actions. Innovations are vital for organisational survival, and ‘ordinary’ employees and customers are central but too-often ignored producers of knowledge for contemporary organisations. Broader levels of participation and reflexive practices are needed. This dissertation discusses the missing links between innovation research conducted in the context of industrial management, arts, and culture; applied drama and theatre practices (specifically post-Boalian approaches); and learning – especially organising reflection – in organisational settings. This dissertation (1) explores and extends the role of research-based theatre to organising reflection and reflexive practices in the context of practice-based innovation, (2) develops a reflexive model of RBT for investigating and developing practice-based organisational process innovations in order to contribute to the development of a tool for innovation management and analysis, and (3) operationalises this model within private- and publicsector organisations. The proposed novel reflexive model of research-based theatre for investigating and developing practice-based organisational process innovations extends existing methods and offers a different way of organising reflection and reflexive practices in the context of general innovation management. The model was developed through five participatory action research processes conducted in four different organisations. The results provide learning steps – a reflection path – for understanding complex organisational life, people, and relations amid renewal and change actions. The proposed model provides a new approach to organising and cultivating reflexivity in practice-based innovation activities via research-based theatre. The results can be utilised as a guideline when processing practice-based innovation within private or public organisations. The model helps innovation managers to construct, together with their employees, temporary communities where they can learn together through reflecting on their own and each others’ experiences and to break down assumptions related to their own perspectives. The results include recommendations for practical development steps applicable in various organisations with regard to (i) application of research-based theatre and (ii) related general innovation management. The dissertation thus contributes to the development of novel learning approaches in knowledge production. Keywords: practice-based innovation, research-based theatre, learning, reflection, mode 2b knowledge production

The Soviet plans for the North Western theatre of operations in 1939-1944

Finnish Defence Studies is published under the auspices of the National Defence College, and the contributions reflect the fields of research and teaching of the College. Finnish Defence Studies will occasionally feature documentation on Finnish Security Policy. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily imply endorsement by the National Defence College.

Silta yksilöstä yhteisöön : ryhmätyö teatterin tekemisen välineenä

This final thesis focused on experimental knowledge of working in the group. The topic was approached from the perspective of the theatre group director. The thesis itself contains two practical theatre group examples. One is a youngsters' theatre group called La Drama, directed by the author during 2004/2005. The other one is the author's own final artistic production, named Protasio - Kohtaamisia Afrikassa (Protasio - Meeting in Africa), which opened in January 2006. The group leader's role is presented as an important personal tool in theatre, and one that it is important to develop in a professional way. The director's role is to be the promoter of the process, the inspirer and a strong group leader. A person who is in this role will lead the group through the creative process using the community. The thesis identifies and advocates good practice, and ideas of how to create theatre with a group-based method. These analyses can offer useful ideas and knowledge to the beginner in the field of theatre direction.

Nuorten mielikuvat Suomen Kansallisteatterista

This thesis is about young people's views and mental images of the Finnish National Theatre (FNT). Research was needed into the views of young people about the FNT. The results would also be useful for FNT's marketing operations. The research was executed as a qualitative interview (based on a structured questionnaire) among 16 young people in January and February 2006. Four different high schools were involved: Ressun Lukio, Mäkelänrinteen Lukio, Kallion Lukio and Helsingin Kaupungin Kuvataidelukio (which together represented art-oriented high schools) and Vuosaaren Lukio. From each high school two boys and two girls were selected for interview. FNT's marketing director was also interviewed. The questions for the interview were formulated in co-operation with the FNT. The structural questionnaire was basically broken down into three different sections. The first section concentrated on the interviewee's hobbies and his/her past and present relationship to theatre. The second section consisted of questions about his/her views on the FNT. There were different sets of questions regarding whether or not the interviewee had visited the FNT. The last section was about the interviewee's use of media. This thesis focuses on the second section of questions. The answers revealed that, out of the group of sixteen, all but one had visited the FNT. Most of them saw the FNT as a traditional and valuable institution which is easier to approach than Finnish National Opera. Eleven of the interviewees reported that the main reason for their visit was a school project, and that without it they probably wouldn't have gone to the FNT at all. The thesis contemplates co-operation between the FNT and schools, and the meaning of art education for children's and young people's positive cultural development.

Luovuus näyttelijäntyössä

This thesis considers creativity in acting and performing. The original question is how to construct roles creatively. The thesis also considers the quality of creativity at a general level. In addition, the question expands to consider directing and, briefly, the ethics of making theatre. The first section discusses acceptation as a tool for opening the blocks that restrain creativity. It also discusses what the use of acceptation causes and what challenges it brings when creativity begins. The second and the third sections deal with two productions that have changed the author's view of creativity and theatre. The first production is "Medeia Goes Karaoke". This section considers the influence of listening and being in contact when making the role of Medeia. The second production is about directing, "My Roots are Water and Blood". This section considers revising performing and directing and especially the influence of the Alexander-technique. The last section concerns the definition of what good acting is. It also discusses the differences between performing and acting and presents the author's opinions concerning the ethics of acting. The aim of this work is to define creativity in acting, performing and theatre-making, through the author' s personal experiences.

Hakunilan Kultsa/Urban II hanke : pohdintaa yhteisöteatterin merkityksestä alueelle

This thesis analyses what local community theatre activity means to an area and its residents, and whether this kind of activity is meaningful. The objective was to explore whether and how community art can help urban areas to move in the direction of sustainable development: whether art can be part of regional policy development work. Hakunilan Kultsa was founded in 2003. It is an Urban II, European Union project and part of the Community Iniative Programme 2001-2006, financed by the EU. Hakunilan Kultsa is also a co-operation between Vantaa city council's culture and youth services. The project encourages Hakunila residents of different ages to take part in versatile art and cultural intrests in the Hakunila youth centre. People have the opportunity to participate in theatre, expression, arts, dance, performing arts and writing groups. One of the main aims is to found a sustainable community theatre in the area. The thesis examines what effects Hakunilan Kultsa has had so far. Inquiry form and thematical interviews have been used as research methods. Interviews and questionnaires were gathered between Autumn 2004 and Spring 2005. The whole process lasted from Spring 2004 until Spring 2006. The author also made participatory observations during the research process which in turn affected the conclusions. The thesis also deals with associated topics such as urban programmes, sustainable development, Hakunila as a suburban area, resident stimulation, and community thetare work. Hakunilan Kultsa has proved its importance. Based on the enquiries and interviews, the project has effectively presented the possibility for art forms to become hobbies. There is no cultural, age or economical discrimination. The easily accessible site and the low threshold principle make it easy for people to participate. The community theatre has improved the area's public image, increased participation and initiative, and given a voice to the community.

Naamion takaa : näyttelijäntyön palapelini

The subject of this bachelor's thesis has its origins in the frequently asked question of an author; whether any of their own theatrical techniques correlate with those of any well-known theatrical personality. The aim of this bachelor's thesis, consequently, was to find out the true nature of the author as an actor and theatrical professional. The author started to put together a puzzle, from different fields of acting techniques, and came up with a solid picture. Different acting techniques and the basics of them were clarified and tested in practice. Techniques were reflected on, through great personalities in the field of theatre, via discussion. The selected personalities were Jouko Turkka, Antonin Artaud, Konstantin Stanislavski, Kaisa Korhonen and Bertolt Brecht. The toughness and physicality of acting played a strong role in this thesis. "Black pedagogy" was strongly criticized. The methods of Jouko Turkka were thoroughly investigated and, surprisingly to the author, turned out usable, although the author questioned the brutal ways that Turkka used them. The author carried out some of the physical exercises that corresponded to the different acting methods, and did "human tests" to understand the true meaning of the methods. Antonin Artaud abandoned all of his past life and sacrificed himself to art, which the author refuses to even consider it. The author found a soul-mate in Kaisa Korhonen and agreed with most of her methods. Many people who had worked with Kaisa Korhonen were interviewed to find out if she actually used the techniques. The author debated objectivity with Bertolt Brecht but, whereas Brecht saw it as the basis of everything, the author couldn't even consider it a usable technique. The author also had a discussion with Konstantin Stanislavski concerning the basics of acting, the study of singing, dancing and oral expression, and other beneficial skills. In the end, the author put herself on a plate, chopped herself into tiny pieces, started to study the pieces, and found out how she became as she is.

Sanoin kuvaamaton : teatterintekijän pohdintoja intuitiosta

This thesis examines the concept of intuition from different aspects. The basis for this thesis has been the author`s experience about education as a supportive process for intuitive thinking. It studies what taking advantage of intuition means for the author of this thesis and how intuition can be defined as a concept. This thesis shows what intuition means both from the performer`s and the director`s point of view. The author attemps to explain how these two areas of her professional identity either support or prevent intuitive creativity from emerging successfully. The intuition of a performer is examined through playback theatre and the insight associated with playback theatre. Regarding the work of a director, the author describes the making of a walking tour performance called "Sama maa" (2006) that she directed. The author attempted to fully utelize her intuitive creativity while planning the performance. The intuitive choices of the author were the basis for planning and carrying out the performance. This thesis studies a concept that is very challenging to explain in words. There is not a lot of literature about concept of intuition with respect to theater. The author of the thesis has ended up thinging about guestion that is very important to her, a guestion about relationship between controlled and authentic mental processing. The author also engourages others to think about the meaning of intuition and insight to themselves as a part of a daily life and as a part of the artistic creativity.

Intuitiosta esitykseen : Lear-prosessi itsereflektion ja katsojapalautteen valossa

My final project presents the directing process of my experimental production based on King Lear by William Shakespeare. I describe the process from the first visions of the beginning to the completed performance and finally the feedback from the audience. I concentrate on the special qualities of the production, such as interaction, small and moveable audience, cinematic qualities, polyphonic dramaturgy, and use of the video. The Project is divided into six parts. The first part introduces the project as a whole. The second part concentrates on the process before the beginning of the rehearsals. The third part focuses on the rehearsals and co-operation with the actors, whereas the fourth part deals with the performance and its special qualities. Following this, in the fifth part I study the interaction of the performance with the help of the audience feedback. In the final part conclusions are drawn. The focus of this work is the use of intuition even as a starting point of the theatre directing process. My conclusions drawn from the description of the process suggest that the starting point of the theatre production may be an intuitive vision as well as some conscious subject or message.

Kaksoiselämäni teatteritaiteen palveluksessa : ammatti-identiteettini rakennuselementit

In my thesis I discuss the elements of my professional identity from the perspective of an actor, a director and a team. What are acting and directing to me? What are the problems in the symbiosis of acting and directing? What are the difficulties in acting and directing and how important are the issues related to responsibility, power, trust and confidence in my work? I also discuss the consept of self-confidence. Behind all of this, there is also the thought of my ancestry and its dualism, how my roots from my father's and mother's side are struggling against each other or supporting each other, and how they affect my professional identity. The basic idea in the present thesis is the perspective of the traditional theatre and a professional team. Also the childhood influence on my professional identity is being considered. Education is discussed at the end. Moreover, a discussion on the kind of future theatre maker I want to be considered as, is included. I also try to handle all these topics through Harri Virtanen's Kiinteistövälittäjä vastoin tahtoaan (2005), which I directed, and my latest role in Arto Paasilinna's and Kristian Smeds' Jäniksen vuosi (2006). The conclusion of the present thesis is that it is very important for me to be a member of different communities, in which I can express my professional identity. My professional identity is formed by many elements that support each other. Such elements in their own right form an inticate relationship, which at the end, makes me what I am. In conclusion, I am a theatre maker, who in an alternative field of theater has opportunities to form the professional identity, as different situations and projects require.

Luovuus ja itsetuntemus ohjaajantyössä

This research deals with obstacles and opportunities with respect to creativity. It mainly focuses on the author's most meaningful discoveries as an individual and a professional in the field of theatre during the past two years of her education. The research is a description of that transitional phase in her life. Firstly, the research discusses creativity and presence. Secondly, it describes the author personally and professionally and compares her earlier and current ways of working. It contemplates the obstacles and opportunities considering her self-knowledge and creativity, and disucsses the problems she has faced on the way to freedom and well-being. Following this, the author presents the tools for increasing her creativity, self-knowledge and body awareness in theatre work: the Gestalt Method, Acting with the Inner Partner and the Authentic Movement. She discusses the relativity between overall well-being in life and the quality of theatre work. The final section of the present research discusses the process of directing the play Suurin on rakkaus in 2006. It deals with issues such as self-knowledge in directing, group management, the importance of terror and excitement in directing and ways of enduring both. The conclusion explanes the reasons behind the author's capability of working with small groups, with creative and passionate theatre workers. It also lists the benefits of exploring one's passions, cooperating with enthusiastic and creative artists and the pursuit for balance in art and in everyday life.

Tarinateatteri : taidetta ja terapiaa kuunnellen

Tämä työ käsittelee tarinateatteria teatterin ja taiteen tekemisen muotona. Pohdin työssä näyttelemistä sekä tarina- että perinteisessä teatterissa ja käsittelen tarinateatterin taiteellisia ja terapeuttisia ulottuvuuksia. Kerron työssäni, mistä tarinateatterissa on kyse ja käyn läpi miten tarinateatterin tekeminen on vaikuttanut minuun teatterintekijänä. Tarkastelen myös, mitä kyseinen teatterin tekemisen muoto on antanut minulle näyttelijänä. Pohdin millä tavoin se on kehittänyt muun muassa kuuntelu- ja improvisaatiokykyäni ja rohkaissut minua menemään teatterin tekemisessä kohti ihmistä ja ihmisyyttä. Lisäksi pohdin nykypäivää ja aikamme ihmisten suurta tarvetta tulla kuulluksi, kun tiiviitä yhteisöjä ei enää ympärillämme aina ole. Aluksi käyn läpi tarinateatterin historiaa ja valotan suomalaisen tarinateatterin vaiheita. Tämän jälkeen pohdin roolinkäyttöä ja näyttelijäntyötä sekä tarina- että perinteisessä teatterissa ja vertailen niitä keskenään. Kuvailen ja pohdin myös tarinateatterin eri tasoja sekä kerron, kuinka joskus tarinateatteria tehtäessä saa huomata jonkin ihmisissä ja maailmassa näkymättömissä olevan tulevan näkyväksi lavalle. Sen jälkeen esittelen ja kuvailen kaksi tarinateatteriesitystä, joista toinen toteutettiin Hämeenlinnan Kaupunginteatteriin ja toinen Lammille kehitysvammaisten hoitajille. Mietin, mitä nämä toisistaan monella tavalla poikkeavat tarinateatteriesitykset antoivat minulle teatterintekijänä, ihmisenä ja näyttelijänä ja minkälaisia ajatuksia ja näkymiä ne avasivat minulle tarinateatterin tekijänä. Pohdin myös, mitä nämä kaksi esitystä antoivat kokijoilleen ja mitä tarinateatterin olennaisimmista ytimistä näissä esityksissä toteutui.

Lainattu todellisuus : tekijän huomioita ajankohtaisteatterista

Opinnäytetyöni käsittelee ajankohtaisteatteria. Tarkoituksenani on koettaa määritellä mitä käsite ajankohtaisteatteri tarkoittaa ja löytää niitä erityispiirteitä mitkä mahdollisesti erottavat ajankohtaisteatteriksi luettavat esitykset muusta teatteritaiteesta. Päätutkimuskohteeni on kirjoittamani ja ohjaamani näytelmä Markus - Elo Kuva. Työni alussa puran auki seikkaperäisesti koko Markus - Elo Kuvan syntyprosessin. Selvitän mistä todellisista tapahtumasta näytelmän idea sai alkunsa ja miten kirjoittamisprosessi eteni. Kerron myös miten ja millaisella aikataululla näytelmä saatettiin näyttämölle ja minkälaisen vastaanoton se sai. Esiteltyäni päätutkimuskohteeni tarkastelen ylipäätään teatterin suhdetta aikaan ja ympäröivään todellisuuteen, ja koetan määrittää niitä ulkoisia tunnusmerkkejä ja erityispiirteitä mitkä erottavat ajankohtaisteatteriksi laskettavat esitykset muusta teatteritaiteesta. Ulkoisten tunnuspiirteitten jälkeen siirryn pohtimaan ajankohtaisteatterin tekijän motiiveja, ja esitän teoriani ajankohtaisteatterin dialektisestä luonteesta. Selvennän teoriaani purkamalla Markus - Elo Kuvan useassa kerroksessa näkyvää dialektista rakennetta. Tarkastelen myös ajankohtaisteatteriksi laskettavien esitysten teosrajaa, mikä on nähdäkseni poikkeuksellinen verrattuna muuhun teatteritaiteeseen.