Reijo Kela

The Silent People arrive in Kuopio in honor of the city’s 250th Anniversary

Kuopio Dance Festival festival joins the anniversary celebrations by bringing Reijo Kela’s iconic art installation The Silent People to the city.

In honor of the milestone year, 250 figures will be set up near the Syvänniemi manor, and moving parts of the artwork will also be displayed in Kuopio’s city center (see the schedules at the bottom of the page). The Syvänniemi installation will be unveiled on June 6th, the opening day of the Kuopio Dance Festival, and will remain on display until the snow arrives.

Kela is a long-established dancer, choreographer, and performance artist who has also performed at Kuopio Dance Festival festival many times over the years. Having spent most of his career as a freelance artist, Kela has been awarded the Pro Finlandia medal, the Finland Prize, and the State Award for Public Information, among others.

The Silent People will also come to life in an unprecedented way, featuring performance pieces by Kela, musician Heikki Laitinen, and Kimmo Pohjonen as part of the artwork.

The bus can accommodate the first 50 registered participants.

Friday, June 6, 2025 at 21:00
Bus leaves Olvi Arena after Miller de Nobil’s PACK show at about 20.15 in front of the B-door

Book a seat

Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 15:00
The bus leaves from the back of the City Hall 1 hour before the performance

Book a seat

Additional performance Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 16:00
The bus leaves from the back of the City Hall 1 hour before the performance

Book a seat

Additional performance Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 16:00
The bus leaves from the back of the City Hall 1 hour before the performance

Book a seat

LISÄESITYS Torstaina 10.7.2025 esitys alkaa klo 16:00
The bus leaves from the back of the City Hall 1 hour before the performance

Book a seat

Parking:
Parking is available at in the car parks behind the ice hockey rink, Postitie 35 and Hermannitalo, Postitie 32.
The parking is approximately a 550-650 meter walk to the performance site – a great warm-up before your artistic experience. Visitors with limited mobility can be dropped off at the designated bus turnaround point (see map), located 300 meters from the performance area. The route is accessible. Driving and parking in the installation area is not permitted.

Buses:
Buses may pick up and drop off passengers at the designated turnaround point (approx. 300m from the performance). Bus parking area is in the parking area behind Hermannitalo.

MAP (PDF)

On-site:
A compost-style toilet is available – functional and ventilated.
Seating is limited so bringing your own camping chair is a great idea.
Also, don’t forget mosquito repellent and a raincoat just in case of bugs or Finnish exciting weather!
Photography and video recording during the performances is strictly prohibited.

Cafeteria:
Syvänniemi association’s café operates by the old factory chimney:
Fri 6.6. from 19:00 to 22:00
Sat 7.6. from 13:00 to 17:00
Sun 8.6. from 13:00 to 17:00

Additional performances on 29.6. and 10.7. café is open at Hermannitalo
Light salty, sweet snack and refreshing drinks will be available.

Welcome to Syvänniemi and experience unique performances in the middle of nature.
More activities in the area can be found here:

Syvänniemi

Teatteri Hermanni

Hermannitalo

Syvänniemen seikkailu

Pappilankartano

Performances in the city center: Reijo Kela, Heikki Laitinen & Kimmo Pohjonen
Friday, June 13 at 16:00 at the Amphitheater of the Kuopio City Theatre
Saturday, June 14 After a performance by the Ballet School of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet about around 16:00 in front of Lumit, Kuopio Senior High School of Arts (Hallikatu side)

Kelavala is a trio formed by Reijo Kela, Heikki Laitinen and Kimmo Pohjonen

The work is funded by Saastamoinen Foundation.

Thank you to everyone involved in the building:
Elävä Säätiö, Syvänniemi kyläyhdistys, Theatre Hermanni, Seinätön taide project / KUMMA, and all the volunteers who participated!

NOTE:
Additional performances coming up on 29th June at 1 pm and 10th July at 4 pm in Syvänniemi. There will be a bus transportation to the performances from Kuopio city centre, to be announced later.

Duration: 15-30 minutes.

The organizer reserves the right to make changes.