Laughter - The serious truth?

Under the direction of Taina Mäki-Iso, a master of physical theater and clowning, Rimpparemmi’s own comedy consultants, Hermann and Mina, demonstrate how to properly implement the official laughter guidelines. They take a serious look at repetition and rhythm, as well as the more delicate aspects of human absurdity. When something is truly real, even despair can appear comical. What exactly makes us laugh when someone stumbles or gets hurt? And how is it that others find it funny when we ourselves are completely serious?

The performance also takes a perspective that is either ridiculous or terribly serious, given the fact that Mäki-Iso is a genuine oddball among Rimpparemmi’s older members. So it’s possible that this whole thing will turn into a complete farce.

The music in the performance draws inspiration from Balkan and klezmer music. The lyrics of the songs heard in the performance are in the clowns’ imaginary language.

Taina Mäki-Iso (B.A.) is a director and teacher specializing in physical theater and clowning who works extensively with professionals, students, and amateurs in theater, dance, circus, and music. Mäki-Iso also performs as a clown and has created several solo performances, appearing at numerous festivals both in Finland and abroad, including in Spain, the Czech Republic, and the United Arab Emirates. She also works as a hospital clown.

Mäki-Iso has directed productions for both municipal theaters and independent groups. His most recent directing projects include Mäki-Iso & Working Group: Love?! IIK! KÄÄK! YÄK! (2020, the production was part of the main program of the Tampere Theater Summer 2021), Teatteri Eurooppa Neljä’s clown show Hannu ja Kerttu -vai meneekö kaikki ihan pipariksi? (2020), and Muteco (2019), a production combining clowning and contemporary dance for dancers Mari Kortelainen and Kalle Pulkkinen.

Mäki-Iso is a highly regarded teacher and has taught clowning and facial expression at institutions such as the University of the Arts Helsinki’s Theater Academy, Näty, the Turku Academy of Arts, and the Lahti Circus School. She herself has studied clowning and comedy under teachers such as Philippe Gaulier, Giovanni Fusetti, Pierre Byland, Norman Taylor, Angela de Castro, and Ami Hattab.

Mäki-Iso is currently writing about clowning, and in this Rimpparemmi production, she essentially reflects on what she has written.

Premiere: February 25, 2022, at Kulttuuritalo Wiljami