• Black Box teater
  • Oslo Internasjonale Teaterfestival
  • 12–16 March 2024
  • WAUHAUS
  • The Companion
  • Tuesday 12, 16.30–19.30
  • Wednesday 13, 14.00–18.30
  • Thursday 14, 14.00–18.30

WAUHAUS, The Companion
12–14 March / Lille scene

“These robots can’t feel, but we feel for them …”
– Kate Darling, The New Breed

The Companion is a private encounter between one audience member and a robotic dog. In the performance, the robot entices the human participant into different negotiations, interactions and play. The encounter harnesses our innate curiosity and empathy towards all moving beings. What kind of agency are we willing to embrace? Are we ready to surrender to and trust a non-human companion? 

WAUHAUS is a Helsinki-based multidisciplinary arts collective. Their works are situated between different genres of art and have taken place at various venues, such as gallery spaces, small black box venues, urban sites, large stadiums, and main stages of established theater houses. WAUHAUS is known for their comprehensive audiovisual stage aesthetics and methods of shared authorship. The collective consists of scenographer Laura Haapakangas, director Juni Klein, scenographer Samuli Laine, sound designer Jussi Matikainen, choreographer Jarkko Partanen, sound designer Heidi Soidinsalo and producer Julia Hovi. 

Practical information

  • The performance is for one person at a time
  • There are eight 20 minute time slots on 12 March and eleven on 13 and 14 March. See ticketmaster for full itinerary
  • Children aged 5–12 can experience an adapted version of the performance together with an accompanying adult
  • Show up at least 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled time
  • No latecomers
  • Language: English

Artists: Jarkko Partanen, Jussi Matikainen, Laura Haapakangas. Visual Design of the robot: Kari Kankaanpää. Lighting Design: Mia Jalerva. Software Development: Aki Panuma (Probot). Producer: Julia Hovi. Co-production: WAUHAUS (Helsinki), Black Box teater (Oslo), Kiasma Theatre (Helsinki). In collaboration with Probot. Supported by: Nordic Culture Point, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, City of Helsinki.