In April 2024, Tervakoski and Turengi will host the performance “Sunny and City Rats,” where children’s theater, music, dance, and visual arts come together.

In Janakkala, a partnership table was initiated in spring 2023 to plan a multidisciplinary performance for children and youth. The partnership table has developed collaboration that creates something greater together, allowing children and youth to be part of a multidisciplinary production. Different art forms showcase their own possibilities and strengths while proudly making Janakkala’s artistic activities known. The partnership table also enabled the acquisition of sound systems and other performance technologies as well as guidance in makeup.

The Janakkala Theater Company, Sibelius Academy, the visual arts and dance groups of Vanajavesi College in Janakkala, and the cultural services of Janakkala municipality have participated in the work of the partnership table.

The idea of a multidisciplinary performance originated from Sari Pyyhtiä, the director of the Tervakoski groups from the Janakkala Theater Company, also known as JaTS, and the writer of the story. “It’s wonderful that children in Janakkala can engage in diverse artistic activities. Over the years, I’ve often thought it would be great to involve these children and young people in working on a joint performance. Everyone would have the chance to step out of their own boxes and get closer to different art forms and practitioners while experiencing the power of collaboration. It was finally easy to start working within the framework of the partnership table. Collaboration with other art teachers has been extremely rewarding and hopefully continues in the future,” Pyyhtiä commented. The production involves actors aged 7 to 18 from the Tervakoski groups.

Sibelius Academy has always actively participated in various collaborative productions, and this time, young musicians from the Janakkala branch will join in. “Interdisciplinary activities provide students with new dimensions to their own hobbies and increase their experiences of participation,” Tuula Manninen from Sibelius Academy states.

The dance teacher Nina Lassinen teaches 7–9-year-olds at Vanajavesi College in Turengi. “Dance is a form of performing arts, so it’s always a pleasure when participants get to showcase their skills and what they have learned. There are never too many performance opportunities, so we were excited to join this community production,” Lassinen rejoices.

”It was the responsibility of the students in visual arts to design and create the scenery and posters. Making the scenery has been a bit of a different project; painting the large backdrop is certainly an experience that will be remembered,” says design teacher Laura Valo from the children’s and youth visual arts school at Vanajavesi College.

In the Janakkala Theater Company, children and youth get to explore the world of theater. The goal is to provide participants with the opportunity for creative work within their own skills and expertise. Theater activities are open to everyone, with groups available for ages 6 and up in Turengi and Tervakoski. https://www.jats.eu/ 

Sibelius Academy is a music school operating in Hämeenlinna, Hattula, and Janakkala. The academy has about 1300 students and offers over 950 hours of instruction weekly. https://sibeliusopisto.fi/musiikki/ 

Vanajavesi College offers versatile instruction in performing dance and dance movement under the guidance of professional teachers in Hämeenlinna, Hattula, and Janakkala. Dance is for everyone, regardless of age or gender. https://www.kktavastia.fi/vanajaveden-opisto/kurssit/tanssi-11/ 

The children’s and youth visual arts school at Vanajavesi College provides basic artistic education according to the general syllabus. Instruction points are located in Turengi, Tervakoski, Hattula, Lammi, Hauho, and Iittala. There are about 200 students. https://www.kktavastia.fi/vanajaveden-opisto/kurssit/kuvataide-15/lasten-kuvataidekoulu-laku-20/ 

Sunny and City Rats is the story of Sunny, who goes to the city to find her cousin. In the city, Sunny becomes part of a new rat gang, which has many interesting personalities. However, not everyone is excited about the new arrival, and at some point, Sunny must consider what is truly important to her. The themes of the story include friendship, diversity, prejudice, and acceptance, and it is aimed at all ages.

Performances:
In Tervakoski on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 1 PM and 3 PM.
Kino Tervakoski, Seuranaukio 3.
Tickets €5/10

In Turengi on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 1 PM and 3 PM.
Koulukeskus Välkky, Koulutie 2.
Tickets €5/10

Opening gallery images: Kirsi Jokelainen, Nina Lassinen, Sari Pyyhtiä
Posters: Young artists Peppiina and Ester