Introduction

A symphonic dance of hopes and dreams.

The ballet pantomime Okon Fuoko from 1927 is one of Leevi Madetoja’s principal works, a masterpiece in neoclassic adventure with a touch of Eastern spice. Okon Fuoko is considered the Oulu composer’s last great work, and the score demonstrates his skills in adapting the fashionable trends of his time to accommodate his own tonal language.

In the original story, a Japanese puppet-master falls in love with his own creation – with fatal consequences. This abstract ballet’s choreographer, Alpo Aaltokoski, equates the story with today’s selfie culture: “The Internet is like a cornucopia of wishes. It’s a place where we can build ourselves an ideal partner or try to create one ourselves. All around the world, people have projected their dreams onto various mental images and artificial structures.”

“Here we have the seduction and attraction of the mirror, spectacular show-boxing and synchronized swimming. All of them showing off. This work screams, “Look at me!” Modern times, where no one looks at anything but themselves.”
- Helsingin Sanomat

The event is organized by Alpo Aaltokoski Company.