by Kausalainen Ahti Kalliokulju
experimental chamber opera for soprano, chamber choir and tape

An ancient organism in the Earth’s crust is rising towards the surface. Its movements mobilise minerals, bacteria, fungi, gases and the atmosphere, causing instability that creates a web of unexpected conflicts. The protagonist, a human called G, has been given the ability to connect and communicate with different bodies and beings. G is summoned to mediate between the conflicting parties – and eventually meet the ancient organism itself. A story of companionship and coexistence, Thousand Times Yes makes space for alternative futures.

Thousand Times Yes is a philosophical, haunting and poetic exploration of the limits and possibilities of language, communication, space and the body. The performance challenges the concept, aesthetics and hierarchical tradition of opera.

Concept, direction, costumes: Essi Kausalainen
Music: Marja Ahti 
Libretto, set design, paintings: Jenny Kalliokulju  

Bee – Florian Feigl
G – Johanna Kalliokulju 
Washing Machine & Worm – Yuko Takeda 
Stream – Ahti Leppänen, Etna Ruscica, Villa Ruscica
Cello – Carl Henning Fredriksson (Malmö), Aino Juutilainen (Kiasma)
Harp – Ingrid Larsson (Malmö), Saara Olarte (Kiasma)

Director’s assistant: Laura Cemin 
Lighting design: Sofia Ivarsson  
Production coordinator: Johannes Juva 

Performed at Inkost in collaboration with IAC, Malmö (2021), Kunsthal Rønnebæksholm ( May 2022), Kiasma Theater / ARS22 (August 2022)