ESPOO MAGAZINE 4/2018

THE PEOPLE OF ESPOO
MORE ROOM FOR ART
Theatre Hevosenkenkä is expanding its operations with new space.
The cultural centre was given the status of Children’s Cultural Centre.
THE OPENING of the additional
building named Tusculum,
erected in Juhannusmäki in
Mankkaa, was celebrated in October.
It will house Theatre
Hevosenkenkä’s art therapy activities
and workshops.
The new building painted with
falu red is hardly distinguishable
among the other buildings dating
back to the 19th century.
However, a closer look reveals
several modern details: ramps at
entrances, threshold-free spaces,
hidden technology and convertibility
of spaces.
In Ancient Rome, “Tusculum”
meant a space dedicated to art and
silent reflection.
Kirsi Siren, director of Theatre
Hevosenkenkä is delighted. With
the new space, the operation can
be expanded to include mental
wellbeing support. That very idea
was what started the theatre when
Siren, together with her sister Sara
founded it in 1975.
“From the very beginning, our
goal was to use art to help our
viewers become open-minded and
optimistic and have a sense of humour,”
reflects Siren.
SUPPLY IS EXPANDING. Accessible
shows, audio description, signed
shows and, the latest addition, silent
shows for highly sensitive
viewers are already included in
Hevosenkenkä’s productions.
“In Tusculum, we use art
therapy to support children with
problems related to growing up
and adults in major turning points
in life. The creative process heals,”
says art therapist Sanna Hallén.
Other new activities, such as
baby theatre, fairy tale days and recitations,
will also be organised in
the accessible Tusculum. The construction
of Tusculum was funded
by the City of Espoo and the Ministry
of Education and Culture.
TWO PREMIERES COMING UP. At the
end of the year, Hevosenkenkä will
tour Japan with the theatre’s own
Kani Untuvakerä which has become
a generational experience.
Sotta Pyttynen, a play of 4-yearold
Iiro spending the night at his
grandfathers, directed by Katja
Krohn premiered in September.
Mauri Kunnas’ beloved Herra
Hakkarainen will premiere in February.
MAARIT SEELING
TEATTERI HEVOSENKENKÄ
The new
Tusculum
building offers
a wider range
of theatre and
self-expression
performances
and education.
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