A Dog Show  

In this presentation WAUHAUS artists Jarkko Partanen and Jussi Matikainen open up the process and background of The Companion. Through discussion and practical examples with some brave audience volunteers we delve into topics of anthropomorphism, empathy and non-human agency in a relaxed atmosphere. There will be a robot dog petting zoo at the end of the presentation.

WAUHAUS is a Helsinki-based multidisciplinary arts collective that was founded in 2016. Their works are situated between different genres of art and have taken place at various venues, such as gallery spaces, small black box venues, urban sites, large stadiums, and the main stages of established theatre houses. WAUHAUS is known for their comprehensive audiovisual stage aesthetics and methods of shared authorship. The members of WAUHAUS are scenographer Laura Haapakangas, director Juni Klein, scenographer Samuli Laine, sound designer Jussi Matikainen, choreographer Jarkko Partanen, sound designer Heidi Soidinsalo, producer Minttu-Maria Jäävuori and managing director Julia Hovi. The collective collaborates with other artists and institutions both in Finland and abroad.
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.

The performance is part of the Reykjavík Dance Festival program. The festival program can be found at https://www.reykjavikdancefestival.com/