Hmm

Hmm examines playful processes of language formation. Sonja Jokiniemi investigates speech sounds, physicality, touch, repetition and accumulation as linguistic actions. Instead of signifying, her language fumbles, gropes around and makes noises, eventually forming a collage-like, chaotic, strangely musical whole.

Hmm is principally about search and disorder: the objects and the human figure set in the space engage in a dialogue and mutual exploration. Feeling her way, shuffling, stumbling through a world that seems to have no cohesion, a confusing universe in which objects and sounds seem to have no meaning, a narrative emerges. Hmm explores the transition from chaos to order, from senselessness to meaning, from indiscriminate sound to language. An intimate, dependent, sensual, at times violent and fragmentary experience of the universe.

Hmm is about something that cannot be caught in a box

Sonja Jokiniemi interviewed in Ma culture 9.8.2016

Hmm is an exciting, strange and a bit curious experience…it does not leave you cold. --- I am attracted to the performance

Hmm? - Nyt mietityttää ja naurattaa. Jussi Tossavainen / Helsingin Sanomat 3.4.2015.

The stylish and partly whimsical performance holds you in its grip and discusses originally about the multi-dimensionality of language.

Vapaata sanojen sointia. Riikka Niemelä / Turun Sanomat 27.4.2015

Concept, choreography & performance: Sonja Jokiniemi

Music composition: Natalia Dominguez Rangel

Visual design & dramaturgy: Miguel Angel Melgares

Lighting design: Katinka Marac

Costume: Janneke Raaphorst

Co-production: Eastern Finland Regional Dance Centre, Frascati Theatre, Zodiak Centre for New Dance, Workspace Brussels

With the support of: Dampfzentrale Bern, Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux, Kutomo, Les Urbaines, STUK Leuven

Premiere: 12.2.2015, Something Raw festival / Frascati theater, Amsterdam

Duration: 55 minutes

Photos: Timo Wright