Jumppatytöt is a performance on aesthetic group gymnastics. It is a journey of former gymnasts’ past and present bodies – of training, competition, comparison, evaluation, joy, beauty, community and parity.
Based on the personal experiences of Katariina Havukainen, Ella Lahdenmäki and Inkeri Hyvönen, the performance focuses on questions of how gymnastics can affect girls’ self-esteem and self-image. It is an ode to Finnish women’s gymnastics and to everyone who has ever practised so much they could taste metal.
A special thank you to the diaries from 1998 to 2008 and to the girls who not only kept writing them but also preserved them despite their shame.
“A gripping portrayal of belonging and being left out”
– Tuomas Rantanen / Voima
Katariina Havukainen started artistic gymnastics at the age of 6, but switched to group gymnastics at the age of 10 and continued both gymnastics and coaching until the age of 18. After quitting gymnastics, Katariina graduated with a Master’s degree in Theatre and Drama from Tampere University in 2019 and has since worked as an actor, scriptwriter and director.
Inkeri Hyvönen is a Helsinki-based actor with an MA in Theatre and Drama (Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy 2022), whose background in performing stems from her team gymnastics hobby. Inkeri started gymnastics at the age of 6 and continued until she was 16. After quitting gymnastics, Inkeri discovered theatre and fell in love with creating art.
Ella Lahdenmäki’s gymnastics career started in Seinäjoki. Since then, Ella has moved to Helsinki and graduated from Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy with a Master’s degree in Theatre and Drama in 2016. Ella was elected as a member of Teatteri Takomo as soon as she graduated and is part of Takomo’s acting ensemble.
Text, direction, dramaturgy, performers: Katariina Havukainen, Inkeri Hyvönen, Ella Lahdenmäki
Choreography: Antton Laine and working group
Sound design: Roy Boswell, Murrettumeri and working group
Light design: Heikki Paasonen
Scenography: Heikki Paasonen and working group
The work is supported by Kansan Sivistysrahasto (President Tarja Halonen’s trust), Ida Aalberg Foundation (Petra Uexküll’s trust), Samuel Huber’s Art Foundation, the City of Helsinki, SKR Pirkanmaa and SKR Uusimaa.