Minttu-Maaria Makkonen performs Spectacle at the Etcetera Theatre as part of the Voila! Theatre Festival.
Exploring stardom and gender expression, the show takes the form of character comedy, drag, and clowning. Everything-theatre.co.uk reported that the production features a rock star who cannot remember his lyrics.
The Voila! Theatre Festival platforms international emerging artists who defy convention and genrefication. Created by Finnish comedian Minttu-Maaria Makkonen, the one-hander fits this brief well by blending physical comedy with audience participation. The character wears a string vest, tight shorts, a jacket, and white face paint, resembling an 80s rock star.
Dramaturgy is credited to Anna Korolainen and Minttu-Maaria Makkonen, with sound design by Tuomas Viiliänen. Ines Masanti designed the minimal set consisting of a stool, a mic stand, and a guitar.
| Production Element | Contributor / Detail |
|---|---|
| Creator and Performer | Minttu-Maaria Makkonen |
| Producer | HIT Helsinki |
| Dramaturgy | Anna Korolainen and Minttu-Maaria Makkonen |
| Sound Design | Tuomas Viiliänen |
| Visual Design | Ines Masanti |
| Venue | Etcetera Theatre |
The clowning aspect serves as the driving force of the piece through heavy audience participation. Everything-theatre.co.uk reported that participants are pulled in right from the beginning without time to build rapport. Makkonen carries the character for just under an hour with laudable energy and charisma, creating a lovable figure despite the lack of backstory.
Physical comedy highlights include a hairbrush used as a microphone and a mic stand transformed into a shower head. The run at the Etcetera Theatre has now concluded.
