ABOUT THE PROJECT
SISU is in the Heart is an international community based theater project inspired by the stories of Finnish Americans in the United States and my own family ancestry. The project will culminate in dual performances-- one presented in the U.S. in collaboration with the Finnish Heritage Museum in Fairport Harbor, Ohio and the other in Lapua, Finland near the birth home of my great grandfather. The play will include large wooden figures inspired by traditional Finnish pauper statues, folk music, and stories provided by community members in each location in order to speak to larger themes of cultural identity, ancestry, and family.
What is "SISU?
SISU is a Finnish word that’s not easy to translate into English. The best definitions include bravery, strength, resilience, taking action against the odds, or displaying courage and resolve in the face of adversity.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
You can participate in multiple ways!
- Participate in a story circle or host one in your local community. Check out the Events tab.
- Share your family stories and answer the question: What does SISU mean to you?
- Audition for the play! Community members in each location will be invited to audition for roles and act along side professional actors in the production. If you are interested in being on the list, send an email to [email protected]
- Become a member of the Finnish Heritage Museum.
This project is supported in part by a grant from Finlandia Foundation® National |
Park Cofield is a participant in the Global Connections–ON the ROAD program, funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the professional not-for-profit American theatre.
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The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. |
