A performance doesn’t begin on the night of the show – it starts long before, in the planning, the imagining, and the feeling of a space. That’s why Theater Tol’s creative team recently traveled to Helsinki, where we’ll bring our aerial spectacle Pedaleando Hacia el Cielo as part of Helsinki Festival this August. These location visits are an essential part of our process, allowing us to connect with the environment, understand its possibilities, and ensure that when the show finally unfolds, it feels as if it was always meant to be there.
Why a Location Visit Matters
Each Theater Tol production is site-specific, meaning we don’t just bring a performance to a space – we design it to belong there. From grand city squares to historic streets, each location influences the way we shape our narratives.
During our visit to Helsinki, we explored:
- Performance spaces – assessing dimensions, wind conditions, and aerial setup logistics
- Audience experience – how people will move through and engage with the performance
- Lighting and sound dynamics – ensuring that the natural and built environment complement the magic we create
A City That Inspires
Helsinki’s mix of waterfront views, stunning architecture, and Nordic energy makes it an inspiring canvas for Theater Tol’s visual storytelling. Walking through the city, imagining where our performers will take to the skies and how the audience will interact, is an exciting part of the creative process.
Talitha & Lukas on the Experience
Helsinki made quite a first impression—“cold, snowy, but a beautiful open square with iconic steps,” Talitha, our artistic director recalls. “I’m excited we can use those steps as a natural stage – it really lets us integrate the location into the performance.” For Lukas, our Productional Director, the scale was striking: “It’s the biggest square in the city, and the cathedral at its center will play a major visual role. The scale is something you don’t fully grasp until you’re standing there.”
The team had done thorough online research before the trip, but seeing the space in person helped identify some unexpected challenges. “It’s not a flat square – it slopes upward, so we don’t have an even launch point for the crane,” says Lukas. “Plus, we’re dealing with wind and safety restrictions: in Helsinki, we’re not allowed to fly directly above the audience.”
Lighting poses its own issues. With the performance starting at 8 PM and Nordic summer skies still bright, it won’t be dark during the show. “That means projection effects won’t work,” Talitha explains, “so we’ll have to rethink how to create that signature magic. Luckily, even glitter confetti now comes in biodegradable options – we’ll need that, since environmental guidelines are strict.”
Artistically, both Talitha and Lukas are embracing the limitations with creativity. “We’ll bring an extra bike so we can explore more of the space, since the crane has limits,” Lukas shares. “The singer will perform on the cathedral steps, right in the heart of the square.” The team will also utilize an elevated platform to pick up the skirt element of the performance. The square’s vastness means longer parades and more movement between the audience to maintain immersion. “We can’t fly above them, so we’re leaning more into interaction at ground level,” Talitha explains. “There’ll even be a kids’ workshop beforehand to engage younger audiences.”
The team is already making detailed preparations: from updated risk analyses and safety paperwork to rethinking scenography and sustainable materials. “The audience in Helsinki will be on it,” Talitha notes. “They’ll notice if the visuals don’t fully come together. That’s why we’re focused on creating an even stronger version of the show.”
“It’s a mighty location,” Lukas adds. “Yes, the lack of darkness is a challenge, but that just makes the creative process more exciting.”
Counting Down to Helsinki Festival
With this visit complete, we’re even more excited to return in August and bring Pedaleando Hacia El Cielo to life at Helsinki Festival. The countdown has begun, and we can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with the city.
Are you in Helsinki this summer? Join us at Helsinki Festival for a breathtaking night of aerial performance and visual storytelling.
More details: www.theatertol.com Instagram: @theatertol