Akropatit

At the Saari Residence, we are working on a new contemporary circus piece with the working title Ammeshow, which takes place in a bathtub.

The central element of the piece—the bathtub—serves both as a prop and as a stage set. We apply circus techniques within and around this small, intimate space.

Ammeshow is a moment of preparation in a bathroom, where the most peculiar rituals take place, aphorisms about beauty are pondered, and secrets are shared.

The residency allows us to fully dedicate ourselves to the project in an inspiring environment. During this residency, we are able to work intensively with the entire artistic team. Together with lighting designer Jaakko Sirainen, we are focusing on lighting and stage design. We are exploring the possibilities of scenography and sketching the overall structure of the piece.

With sound designer Jarkko Keinänen, we are developing the symbiosis between the piece’s soundscape and movement. In previous residencies, our focus has been on creating the work through circus technique. Now, we are thrilled to develop the performance as a full artistic whole with the complete team.

Akropatit—Iitu Kivimäki, Kamilla Nisso, and Anniina Peltovako—is a Finnish contemporary circus collective specializing in human pyramids.

The trio has performed together since 2014 in various circus productions, events, and festivals, including collaborations with Sorin Sirkus, Circus Ruska, and Lumo Company. Their first full-length piece, MUIAT, premiered in 2022.

This trio of three strong women challenges outdated gender roles and celebrates femininity through positive energy and powerful physicality.

Akropatit combines high-level circus technique, physical expression, and humor in their work.

The lighting for the piece is designed by Jaakko Sirainen, a lighting designer originally from Tampere. Sirainen works in the field of performing arts, designing lighting, scenography, projections, and the overall visual language of performances. His artistic background is in circus, which also informs his expertise as a lighting designer.

The sound design is by Jarkko Keinänen, who graduated from Tampere University of Applied Sciences in 2024. He has worked as a sound designer for Sorin Sirkus, Tampere Workers’ Theatre, and the Tampere Comedy Theatre, among others.