THE BASEMENT [KELLARI]

THE BASEMENT premiered in Nov 2024 in Omapohja at the Finnish National Theatre, and is now ready for touring.

A touching solo show about isolation, the distressing world outside and a mind falling apart.

In the existential bunker of a basement lives a lonely figure. Dreams fly by. Sleepless moments are tormented by intrusive thoughts. Memories carve grooves in the floor for tripping over. The radio burbles absurdly threatening news.

Kauri Honkakoski’s tragicomic solo piece weaves together precise movement, visual symbolism and atmospheric sound design. Created in a timeless style with themes emerging from our time, this is a poignant portrait of a human living in a flood of news and destroying their habitat.

THE BASEMENT continues the strong series of work by the award winning Kauri Honkakoski Company. Known for their distinct style and exquisitely intense shows, the Company explores universal themes through rich physical expression and visual metaphors. The Basement is performed by Kauri Honkakoski, the director behind the hugely popular ensemble shows Hinterland and The Desk.

“A truly harrowing physical-spacial portrait of the modern world
and its absurdly threating twists and turns,
that are increasingly hard to stay aboard with.”
- Voima

“The Basement feels more timely the more I think about it. 
I too would like to close the door and windows and ears, 
when all I can hear outside is storms, war, misery and horrow.”
- Kujerruksia

“Incredibly skilled and emotional.” 
- Audience feedback

“Honkakoski’s movement is a pleasure to watch. 
It is fluid, strong and intelligent.”
- t-efekti

CREATIVE TEAM: Directing, Performing, Costume Design: Kauri Honkakoski / Lighting & Set Design, Texts: Sisu Nojonen / Sound Design: Tuuli Kyttälä / Teasers: Laura Vuoma, Kauri Honkakoski, Tuuli Kyttälä / Photos: Laura Vuoma

PRODUCTION: Kauri Honkakoski Company

SUPPORTED BY: Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Finnish Cultural Foundation, City of Helsinki, Vantaan tanssiopisto

LENGTH: 50 min / AGE SUITABILITY: 7+