Choreography: Anandah Kononen
Music: Erkki Melartin, Armas Järnefelt, Leevi Madetoja, Fredrik Pacius
Costumes: Annastiina Kekäläinen
Lighting: Vesa Pohjolainen
Projections: Samuli Juopperi
Lead repetiteur: Ulrika Hallberg
Repetiteurs: Teachers of the B3–B9 classes
Elementary school B3–B6
Middle school B7–B9
Vocational education AK1–3
Pessi and Illusia is a one act, full evening length ballet made for the Ballet School of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet in honor of the Finnish National Ballet’s and ballet school’s centenary. Each cast has 85 young ballet students with ages ranging from nine to 19.
The one-act and hour-long ballet is largely based on the Finnish story Pessi and Illusia, written by Yrjö Kokko. The music consists of parts of compositions by well-known Finnish composers.
It’s a narrative ballet in which each character has a special, visible and expressive role to play. Viewers can follow the plot easily while also having the possibility of being absorbed into the touching story in which we appreciate the diversity of our nature and the uniqueness of life.
“When have we really stopped to wonder how unique the nature around us is? Every creature, animal and plant is part of a much larger whole. Working together, accepting our differences and enjoying the little things are the biggest assets of this production. Thank you to the author Yrjö Kokko and to the young ballet students of the Ballet School of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet!”
Illusia the fairy lives on the rainbow and wants to visit earth. Her sisters write love letters. Illusia’s father Illusion is a famous weaver of webs who can even weave invisible webs.
The Muskrat is building its nest. The Woodpecker awakens nature to the coming of spring. The flowers are competing for who will receive the first pollination.
Pessi wakes up from his hibernation and encounters Illusia, the most beautiful creature he’s ever laid his eyes upon. Illusia asks Pessi to be her guide to see the beautiful nature.
The summer is hot and the rainbow is nowhere to be seen, therefore Illusia cannot fly back home. The Birds get to know Illusia. The Mayflies tell Illusia about their lives, which only last one day.
Illusia meets the European Garden Spider. When the jealous and resentful Spider finds out that Illusion is Illusia’s father, she can never let Illusia return home.
Illusia is deeply sad, but understands that life on earth with Pessi is her future.
The Ground Wasp is on his hunting trip. The winter frost causes the animals of the forest to seek cover. The weasel Martes’ plan to kill Pessi and Illusia is unsuccessful.
Pessi’s and Illusia’s friendship transforms into love. The Whooper Swans watch out for spring. A large celebration is held for the princess of the forest.
– Introduction to Pessi and Illusia in the programme booklet
