| A looming deadline has a way of focusing one's energy. Our opening is scheduled for the 27th and there is much to do to create the performance installation in the beautiful spaces of the studio, kitchen and cold storage at the top of the stairs with the crack in the wall from the 1976 explosion of the gunpowder in another building in the old Lapua Ammunition Cartridge factory site. We met with Maarit for rehearsal, attempting to accomplish two sessions worth of work in one in order to catch her up with her fellow collaborators. We came close. She created the three texts and two out of three movement phrases. We are very happy she has joined us as her sensual movement quality is a lovely counterpoint to the men. The lunch buffet was especially full of yummy food as they were preparing for the influx of people expected for the beginning of a three day festival. We watched two thick, steroid-enhanced weightlifters with their attempts to set up a portable sound system; clearly they weren't sound technicians and had little experience at taking their show on the road. Back in the studio we heard them struggle to get rid of very loud feedback for what seemed an inordinate amount of time. Once they got the mic working properly it seemed appropriate that one of these giant masses of a man checked the mic by repeating "fee fie foe fum" over and over again. |
The events in the courtyard commenced while we worked in the studio and we were "serenaded" by some throbbing, annoying house music apparently designed for exercise routines to provide a driving, incessant beat and little melodic interest. We tried not to be distracted by the very poor and dangerous weight lifting technique the participants were being led in. A bit later a singer/guitarist did a set of pleasant songs. We finished our weaving piece and got some headway on the industrial paper towel panels with altered with twigs, leaves, paper and flour/water "glue".
We enjoyed the very warm evening with a bike ride around town.
We enjoyed the very warm evening with a bike ride around town.