Jarkko Partanen: Fields of Glory

Sports arenas have traditionally been places where trained bodies and top performances are displayed; sites of intense struggle for victory and world records, where pride and joy for the success of the home team or the favourite athlete is felt. The competition and rivalry extends beyond the level of sports: politics and displays of power are present in ceremonies and speeches, and in who participate or are absent.

Fields of Glory, directed by choreographer Jarkko Partanen, is a fictional sports event and an opening ceremony in which traditional heroics are abandoned and diversity is celebrated.

In the darkening August night a hundred brave men take the Eläintarha sports ground by storm. They reveal their strengths and weaknesses to cheering audiences in order to challenge both themselves and the spectators in a show of bravery, passion, sweat, grace, shame and fanfares.

Produced in collaboration with Finland's Slot Machine Association (RAY), Fields of Glory is part of Zodiak's outreach programme's 10th anniversary, and premieres as part of Helsinki Festival.

After the performances in Helsinki, Fields of Glory travels to Kuopio and ANTI festival. Fields of Glory Kuopio will be performed by one hundred locals at the Väinölänniemi Stadium on Saturday September 5.

Fields of Glory Kuopio will be produced in collaboration with Finland's Slot Machine Association (RAY), the Regional Dance Center of Eastern Finland, Zodiak – Center for New Dance and the Helsinki Festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iXA99MNzVo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bztRfRWuGwI

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