Minja Mertanen (dance, choreography), Jenni Kokkomäki (direction, video art), Miro Mantere (music), Suvi Hänninen (costumes), Jere Suontausta (lights), Tanja Eloranta, Höyhentämö and Jyväskylän Kesä (production)

The multi-arts butoh performance Kasvu ja kukoistus depicts the time of year nature is in its fullest bloom, midsummer. The performance is also a celebration of ageing, as we can continue to grow and bloom throughout different stages of life, if circumstances so allow. The project has received funding from Niilo Helander Foundation.

Content warning: the performance includes spinning lights, talk of genitals and love, and consumption of meat.

Minja Mertanen is an established butoh artist, dance teacher, dance/movement therapist and yoga instructor. Currently she is studying somatic movement therapy. Mertanen works in the performing arts field at Reality Research Centre, in Other Spaces Live Art collective and Höyhentämö. In addition, Mertanen performs and teaches butoh in Finland and internationally, and is the co-artistic director of Helsinki Butoh Festival.