by Essi Kausalainen
performance

Barbara Ja Hänta – Barbara and the Tail – is informed and inspired by Barbara McClintock (1902-1992) and her research. As a pioneer of cytogenetics, she researched the inheritance of the Indian corn in her very own, unique and inventive way. According to McClintock, her research was a collaboration, and friendship, with the corn cells. Radically ahead of its time, the research wasn’t recognized until decades later. Instead of the complex research results, Barbara and the Tail focuses on McClintock’s unprejudiced attitude and endless curiosity; the ability to think and act otherwise.
Barbara Ja Hänta is a site specific performance on knowledge production and knowing otherwise. It is deviced for an atelier apartment in Tapiola.

The piece is directed and visualized by Essi Kausalainen, and co-created and performed by Florian Feigl, percussionist Minna Koskenlahti and actor Yuko Takeda. Productional and scenographic structures by Aija Hannula.
Lighting design by Sofia Ivarsson.

For more information, photos & descriptions of Essis work visit the website www.essikausalainen.com