Elle Sofe Company

The Norwegian Elle Sofe Company brings to Kuopio the powerful piece Vástádus eana / The Answer is Land, which focuses on the community and kinship between people with nature and with the earth we all share.

The choreography is inspired by demonstrations, Sami spiritual practices and formation dance.

Written specially for the performance by composer and professor of yoik, Frode Fjellheim, the polyphonic yoik works as a supportive pillar throughout the work. Fjellheim showcases the breadth of yoik and a new way of working with polyphonic yoik.

Elle Sofe Sara is described as one of the most interesting and important choreographers in her generation in Norway.

Sara’s work expands upon seemingly mundane, often overlooked areas of Sámi physicality— unspoken rituals that have escaped the vice grip of colonialism. Sara uncovers a space in which the past and the present coincide.

Elle Sofe Company, founded by Sara in 2022, brings to the forefront the experiences and traditions of the northern indigenous peoples, blending dance, joik, and music.

In addition to the performance, the group will bring their BIRRA concept to Kuopio, which includes workshops on dance and voice usage, post-performance discussions, and mentoring, among others. More detailed information will be available in spring 2025.

“In this piece, present and tradition, as well as sound and movement, are combined in a new way. When I saw the performance a couple of years ago, the audience was enthralled. I don’t know exactly what happened, but something in it touched me deeply.”

– Kenneth Kvarnström, the artistic director of the festival

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE! 

The piece begins as an outdoor performance by the shore of Valkeisenlampi at the scheduled time (June 6 at 16:45 and June 7 at 17:45). 

Check the starting location here. Please make sure to arrive well in advance!  

The outdoor part and the trip to the City Theatre are part of the performance. The audience will walk with the group towards the City Theatre (distance approx. 500 m). Enter the seating area through the back door of the City Theatre. Keep your coats and belongings with you, as there is no cloakroom service.

Please note that the route is not fully accessible. If you require an accessible entry, please go directly to the seating area in the City Theatre skipping the Valkeisenlampi section.

More information: production@kuopiodancefestival.fi 

The duration of the show is about 85 min. After the performance, there will be a discussion with the group on the Minna stage.

The organizer reserves the right to make changes.