The Water Ritual

The Northern Opera Company displays a participatory performance The Water Ritual as apart of their Hydropower Plants series. Composer-performer Tytti Arola and dramaturge-performer Jenni Kinnunen’s Water Ritual explores the kinetic energy and cycle of water. Featuring movement and sound, the show is suitable for the whole family and fantasizes and respects the power of water.

Together with the participants, the artists will transport the work both in the river and from one water to another. Anyone can participate in the performance, and the goal is to create a ritual that the participants can continue to repeat independently after the performance, if they wish.

The Water Ritual, which will start on the banks of the Oulu and Emäjoki rivers in July 2026, will also be transported to international waters in the coming years. The locations are the water bodies characteristic of each location, such as high tide beaches, hot springs and stagnant waters.

Duration ca. 45 min. Free admission. Performed in Finnish.

“Out of water you have come,
and into water
you must become again.”

Work group

Composer-performer: Tytti Arola
Dramaturge–performer: Jenni Kinnunen
Photo: Venla Helenius
Supported by Oulu2026 Foundation, The Finnish Cultural Foundation, Muhos Municipality & Arts Promotion Centre
Co-operated with The Municipalities of Utajärvi, Paltamo and Suomussalmi