Background

Founded in 2000 in Helsinki, the international performance company Oblivia is a unique force on the Finnish performance scene. Oblivias collectively devised, interdisciplinary and minimalist performances merge the boundaries of art forms and nationalities. The background of Oblivias members from Finland, Iceland and UK are in performance art, music, dance and theory. This mixture of backgrounds and nationalities creates a vibrant and special tension and humour in the work. From the beginning the core members have been working together creating a common performance language. Guest collaborators are invited to partake in individual projects.

Oblivia is part of the Produforum network based at Korjaamo, Helsinki. In spring 2007 Oblivia received the Stina Krooks Award for its long-standing commitment to developing work between theatre and conceptual art.

Oblivia is house artist at the Kiasma Theatre from 2008. Oblivia is engaged in a three year project on popular culture and entertainment, Entertainment Island.


Working Process

Oblivias working process begins with a grand idea. One that is so grand at first that it seems impossible to handle. Through diligent and persistent deliberation we begin to filter our grand idea until it becomes tangible. Through this filtering we aim to arrive at the crux of the subject matter. Our process is dense and layered yet what we present on stage is minimal and spare. However, one soon becomes aware of the traces that remain and how the process is woven into the structure of the work.

Ours is a process of observation, of seeing and connecting and finding ways to communicate our concerns and concepts through performance. We work with methods of devising, creative responses, collective work and improvisation.


People

Annika Tudeer (FIN) - founder/artistic director/performer
After working as a dancer/choreographer Annika completed her MA in literature at Helsinki University. She worked as a dance and performance critic writing extensively nationally and internationally on new trends in the performing arts, before deciding to focus solely on Oblivia.

Anna Krzystek (UK) – core member/performer
Anna is a Glasgow based performer and choreographer. She has been with Oblivia since 2000 devising and performing the work.

Timo Fredriksson (FIN) – core member/performer
Timo is a classical pianist. He started working with Oblivia in 2000 as a musician and has since been drawn into performing and devising the work.

Magnus Logi Kristinsson (Iceland) – core member/performer
Magnus is a performance artist specializing in list performances. He started to collaborate with Oblivia while finishing his MA at the Fine Arts Academy in Helsinki 2005.

Marina Andersson-Rahikka (FIN) – producer

Pia Pettersson (FIN) – graphic designer

Eija Mäkivuoti (FIN) - photographer

Meri Ekola (FIN) – light designer

Juuso Voltti (FIN) – composer/sound designer