Guardian of the Night

Production info

“The subconscious is not only the refuge for denied desires. It is a world as alive and real as the consciousness we are aware of – only endlessly wider and richer. Symbols are the language of the subconscious, communicated to us through our nightly dreams.”

– Alpo Aaltokoski

Choreography: Alpo Aaltokoski
Dance (original version line-up): Mika Backlund, Joona Halonen, Simo Kellokumpu/Alpo Aaltokoski, Carl Knif, Ari Numminen, Timo Saari, Sami Vartiainen
Composition: Olli Koskelin
Sound design: Timo Muurinen
Light design: Pasi Pehkonen
Set and costume design: Taina Relander
Make-up design: Tuija Luukkainen
Photos & graphic design: Ninna Lindström

Co-production: Nomadi Productions & Kuopio Dance Festival, Full Moon Dance Festival, Zodiak – Centre for new dance, Stoa – The Cultural Centre of Eastern Helsinki

Premiere: June 13, 2001 Kuopio City Theatre, Kuopio Dance Festival, Finland

Press reviews

Anni Valtonen, Helsingin Sanomat 15.6.2001

Guardian of the Night influences the audience like the guidance of the subconscious to the mind – it suggests what is the right path to follow.

Johanna Tuukkanen, Savon Sanomat 15.6.2001

Guardian of the Night – pilgrimage of the seven souls is an extraordinary manifestation of Aaltokoski’s choreographic talent and credit to his all-encompassing vision.

Pirjo Raiskio, Kainuun Sanomat 15.6.2001

I cannot recall experiencing such intensity, yet such balance among the parts, for a long time.

Performance history

Premiere: June 13, 2001 Kuopio City Theatre, Kuopio Dance Festival, Finland

Other Performances:
26.7.2001: Full Moon Dance Festival, Pyhäjärvi, Finland
18.-23.9.2001: Stoa Cultural Centre of Eastern Helsinki, Finland
1.12.2001: participant of Rencontres Chorégraphiques Internationales de Seine-Saint-Denis Finnish Platform, Stoa Cultural Centre of Eastern Helsinki, Finland

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