Thalia Gala 2023 Awards
Finland’s theatre, dance and circus professionals have again gathered to reward excellence in their sector across 21 separate award categories. This is an industry committed to remaining grounded in the present while working tirelessly towards a better future, as evidenced by the wealth of new initiatives being set up, the sector-wide efforts to deliver equality, diversity and inclusion for all, the determination to participate in the public conversation and to respond to the wider geopolitical realities through artistic means as well as the willingness to engage with the many and serious issues facing our planet.
Finland’s theatre, dance and circus artists have gathered on World Theatre Day for their joint Thalia Gala event to recognise outstanding contributions to the sector. All performing arts productions are always the result of collective and collaborative efforts, and this is reflected in the 21 awards that will be presented to distinguished members of the community today, on 27 March 2023.
This year’s Significant Contribution to Theatre Making Award goes to Isa Hukka and the haavoittuvia havaitsemisia (vulnerable observations) production created by her rampa associations collective. The jury noted the collective’s skill in creating space for incompleteness and in centring diversity and a care-based approach to theatremaking while foregrounding accessibility for the featured artists as well as their audiences.
Pauliina Feodoroff was named Director of the Year for her unrivalled skill in weaving together political activism and aesthetic clarity and for her contribution to redefining what it means to be a director within theatre. Her Matriarkaatti (Matriarchy), a collaborative effort with her ensemble which premiered at the Venice Biennale, was held up as a particular example of her achievements in this regard.
All awards:
Grounded in the present, building the future (you will go to tinfo.fi)
