The Companion

“Robots can’t feel, but we feel for them…”
- Kate Darling, The New Breed

The Companion is a private encounter between one audience member and a robotic dog. In the performance, the robot entices the human participant into different negotiations, interactions and play. The encounter harnesses our innate curiosity and empathy towards all moving beings. What kind of agency are we willing to embrace? Are we ready to surrender and trust a non-human companion? 

The performance is for one person at a time. Children aged 5–12 can experience an adapted version of the performance together with an accompanying adult. The performance language is English.
Maximum duration 20min.

The Companion will premiere at Oslo Internasjonale Teaterfestival Tuesday 12th of March 2024. More touring dates available soon.

Working group:

Artists: Jarkko Partanen, Jussi Matikainen, Laura Haapakangas from WAUHAUS 

Visual Design of the robot: Kari Kankaanpää
Lighting Design: Mia Jalerva
Software Development: Aki Panuma (Probot)
Producer: Julia Hovi
Co-production: WAUHAUS (Helsinki), Black Box teater (Oslo), Kiasma Theatre (Helsinki).
In collaboration with Probot
Supported by: Nordic Culture Point, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, The Arts Promotion Centre Finland,
City of Helsinki