Transpoli on temppurata

In this gamified contemporary circus performance, the gender identity clinic turns out to be an obstacle course where you may find yourself back at square one despite having overcome numerous obstacles.

The term ‘transpoli’ refers to the gender identity research outpatient clinics of HUS and TAYS. The performance simulates the gender identity clinic process and explores the unequal structures within the healthcare system and the use of power by the clinics through a game and circus.

You can take part in the performance as a player or a spectator. From the stands, spectators watch as the players make their way along – or get stuck on – a gender identity clinic obstacle course.

The players, on the other hand, are assigned a character at random, based on real, anonymous gender identity clinic stories collected and published by the Transpolitiikka collective. The following details are known about the characters: their age group, gender identity, any associated diagnoses, and other potential factors that may hinder the clinic process, such as obesity. Players can progress smoothly along the obstacle course or receive penalties, or even be sent back to the start, just like at real-life gender identity clinics.

The game has 10 places for players: if you would like to take part as a player, reserve your ticket in good time! The player tickets are not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Those with a player ticket should arrive 30 minutes before the performance for a briefing.

Tickets: €20/7 via lippu.fi.

Please be aware that this performance may be distressing for people who are currently undergoing or have undergone their own gender identity clinic process, or who have had negative experiences related to this subject matter. The themes explored in the performance, such as the use of medical power, may cause anxiety.

Recommended age: 16+
Performance language: Finnish

Rae Reinvall: concept development, circus artist
Pihla Aarnisalo: circus artist
Marjukka Mykkänen: circus artist
Pihla Lehtinen: game artist
Stella Massa: poetry, sound design, freestyle football