Behind the scenes of Temporary Lives!

So today is the big day we have all been waiting for! Before you come to see us on stage, we would like to share with you these small interviews realised some days ago. 

If you still don't have your tickets, read here how to get them. You can still buy them at the venue one hour before the show (if there are any left!).

See you soon! :) 

What is Diwali?

In the play Temporary Lives there is a happy scene where the characters are celebrating Diwali. But what is Diwali?

 Photo by Priyambada Nath / Flickr

It is a celebration of light, occurring around October or November according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It lasts for five days and marks the victory of light over darkness as well as good over evil. It's an important Hindu festival which people celebrate in many different ways. The rituals of Diwali vary, but most importantly people light lamps or candles and get together with their family to start a new year.

In many ways it resembles the Finnish way of celebrating New Year - you get together with your loved ones at the darkest time of the year, shoot fireworks and greet the upcoming year with joy.

Photo by Anthony Cramp / Flickr

We hope you can sense the warmth of Diwali in our play!

Text by: Vuokko Hangaslahti

Interview with Arti Sudhindra

The amazing, talented Arti Sudhindra acted in the role of the Mother in our previous play, Ek Kahani - Love Story. You can read her interview from here and see her dance performance here. Now she is back for Temporary Lives. She will be seen in the role of Anjali. 

Two years after the much celebrated Ek Kahani - Love Story, what made you want to join the same group again for a new play?

- I guess it’s the chance to work with the same director, the joy of working with partly the same crew, and the opportunity to take my passion further!

In Temporary Lives, you are playing the role of Anjali, an Indian woman living in Finland with her family. Are you playing yourself, or are there many differences between you and Anjali? 

- There is nothing like an easy role in the acting world! Every role requires equal dedication, practice, research. Talking of my experience in Finland as an Indian woman, at this point I only remember that I was shocked with the Sauna and Lake swimming concept when I was new to Finland. However I don’t recollect any time Finns embarrassed me at a grocery store (which happens to Anjali in the play), but I know it must have happened with someone - that is why our Director thought of it.

You are not alone on stage, but your husband and elder daughter are acting along with you. How does it make you feel? 

- It’s an Honor for me, my husband Sudhi is much Senior to me in every aspect, and has worked with well-known directors, and actors. I get to learn from him, on and off stage. Working with my daughter is fun, and I feel great that she has this opportunity, she loves to perform on stage. Her name PRERNA means Inspiration in Hindi, and she is truly the inspiration for us.

As said before, you are a great dancer, but an actress as well. What do you feel are the similarities and differences between acting & dancing?

- There are some differences I feel. As a Dancer I don’t need to speak but just follow the rhythm and express what I want. My body moments and facial expressions replace the words, there are no restrictions, and everything flows naturally. In Acting, my words speak for me, my movements have to be more calculated, I need to be more responsible about what I say, and how I say. But Acting and Dancing both can be highly intensive, emotional, and fun at the same time!

Only one day until the performance! What would you like to say to the audience waiting to see you and the others on stage? 

- DON’T MISS IT !!

You have founded your own dance group, KK Entertainments, in 2012. Would you like to tell more about it?

- KKE is a group that’s involved in dancing, acting, choreographing, and in spreading Indian culture across, organizing events to celebrate Indian Festivals like Holi, Navaratri, etc, workshops, and train the enthusiasts for their performances. We organize dance workshops for children, adults, and families, we are trying to add a new dimensions to celebrations, and set a trend of “celebrations together”. Performances at charity shows and shows for a cause are close to our hearts.

In the practices, you have amazed all of us by speaking a bit of Finnish. Was it hard for you to learn? Do you like living in Finland? 

- I started to learn Finnish only since few months, it's very hard, especially for a person who is weak in grammar (laughing), but I like it. Someday I will be able to speak better! I like Finland. It is a great country from many aspects, although I don’t appreciate the level alcohol and tobacco consumptions in teens here, and it makes me sad to see old people living alone although they have children, grandchildren. On the other hand, I highly appreciate the courage of Finns to live in a country which has such extreme weather conditions, and still they manage to do so much in life, their punctuality, respect for privacy, creativity, helpfulness, happiness, love for their country... They have to have a lot of patience to wait until summer to see flowers in their gardens, and yet they have no complaints...

But as far as me liking the place I live is concerned well, my Family is my world, and I like to live where it is. The best things about living in Finland are our home, friends, the opportunity to carry on with my passion, less pollution, facilities, snow snow snow!

Do you have any future plans after this project which you can share with the readers?

- Yes, Indian Festival celebrations, workshops and many more details will be posted on KKE page soon !

Anything else you want to say?

- Yes, a lot, but I want to point out one very important thing for the teens here: Addiction is good, when it’s for something that makes you better, a strong and respectful person. But the addictions that make you weak, pull you away from reality, are really bad - there is only one life and many ways to live, but you can choose the one which keeps you alive forever……

Interview by Laura Kunnas

Our previous production: Ek Kahani - Love Story

For the first time ever, we are releasing the whole video footage of all the dance scenes of our previous production, Ek Kahani - Love Story. To read more about Ek Kahani - Love Story, click here. To get to the playlist on Youtube, click here. 

Enjoy!

One more glimpse behind the scenes...

Big thanks to all our sponsors and partners!

ORGANIZERS

SPONSORS

Ravintola Musta Härkä

A diverse restaurant full of feeling at Mäkelänkatu 52, Helsinki. Be welcome to enjoy! 

mustaharka.fi/

Park Pub

The living room of Puistola. A pub with A-rights, free wlan, several games, karaoke, live music and dancing. 

parkpub.fi

Intia-Keskus 

For 30 years, the India Center has provided travellers 

with low-cost flights to all over the world!

intiakeskus.fi

Versio Jewelry 

Old boots and belts get a new life in a form of beautiful jewelry that is combined with shiny metals in hands of a skilled craftsman.

facebook.com/versiojewelry

Monikulttuurinen Taidekeskus Kassandra

The nationally operating multicultural art center Kassandra seeks to combat racism using art as its main tool. Also a main goal is to share knowledge on cultural diversity and at the same time bring together artists living in Finland.
kassandra.fi/

Also big thanks to Nadja Plösilä / Hartwall

PARTNERS

Kanneltalo

Esitystaiteen Keskus

Reetta Flink's Bollywood blog

Rosria Crystal Beauty

Kamal Kanhaiya Entertainments

Official photographers: Jaana Tihtonen, Ilkka Roitto
Videographer: Antti Suvilehto

Just one week to go! :)

 Next Saturday is the premier of Temporary Lives, and looks like our cast is ready for it! What about you, are YOU ready? Remember to buy your tickets in advance, read how here! 

First Big Rehearsal

When we started rehearsing the play, we had practices for each scene and each dance separately. On April 6th, it was finally time for everyone to get together for the first big rehearsal of the whole play from beginning to end. And everyone had a wonderful time there! :)

Rehearsing is fun!

There's time to play between the scenes as well.

Father (Amu) is sharing a joke.

First meeting...

Rehearsing a big dance scene.

Two of the choreographers.

Dressing up.

Happy family!

Relaxing.

Reetta directing.

Relaxing.

Memories of Temporary Lives

Enjoy a glimpse of our cast practicing their awesome dances for the play! This beautiful video was edited with much love by our director Reetta Flink. 

Our poster!

Working abroad

Today it is not uncommon to meet a foreigner at your work place in Finland. How many persons are currently working abroad in the whole world is a number one can only guess. Some work full time, others part time. The reasons “why” can be as simple as looking for a new experience, exploring different cities and cultures, or because it is required in your field of work.

Temporary Lives tells the story of such people. People who leave their home country and go abroad for their work or studies. As a consequence, families are scattered around the globe.

Photo by Dima Viunnyk / Flickr

According to Ministry of Employment and the Economy, in 2011 the share of foreign job-seekers in Finland was 8 %. Of them 52.7 % were women and 47.3 % men. The majority of the foreign job-seekers were aged between 25 and 39. In 2011, the majority of all foreign jobseekers, an average of 17,200, were registered in the Uusimaa region by the Employment and Economic Development Office.

I interviewed four persons of foreign nationality who currently work part time or full time in Finland about their feelings, experiences, and what made them want to work abroad. Two of them wished to remain anonymous, but let me to reveal their home country and where in Finland they have, or are currently working.

Reasons why
Why do people choose to work abroad is simple. Either it’s a long time dream, or a requirement coming from the company for which the person is working for. Difference is that when it is work related, basic things e.g. work permits and accommodation are easily fixed. When asked about the reasons that brought the interviewees to Finland, there was not much difference in the answers.

Was it your own decision, or was it work related? 

- It was my own decision to start my work here, and also it’s related to work. Vimalraj Arumugam, India / Espoo.  

- While I was working in Riga, I got a really good job offer. It was my own work-related decision. lexandra, Latvia / Helsinki.  

- I came abroad for pursuing higher studies and also got an opportunity to work abroad. I decided to work because it was a good move career-wise. It was my own decision. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- I am working here just to have some money while studying. First priority is studying, then the job. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

How long have you worked and/or plan to work abroad? 

- Last 2,5 years and for the next couple of years. Vimalraj Arumugam, India / Espoo 

- I have been working in Finland for 3,5 years. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- 4 years. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- I have been working part time while studying at the same time. Let’s see, how long I stay here entirely depends on how things go in the future. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

After working abroad for a longer time, some get comfortable in their new home, and have thoughts of staying for a longer time, or bringing their family with them. Some might even fall in love.

Do you think about maybe staying abroad for a bit longer? 

- For some time, yes! Vimalraj Arumuga, India / Espoo 

- I like to say: “You never know!” My first priority is an interesting work, so wherever I will get it, there I will live. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- Yes but I didn’t think of staying forever so I will return home. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- Let’s see what happens in the future. I got a girlfriend here now, so we'll have to see what the future has in store for us. Anonymous, Nepali, Helsinki

The good and the bad

Entering a new country is an eye opening, yet frightening experience. Work permits, visas, health insurances, accommodations, language barriers... So many things that need to be checked and fixed before even thinking about buying the airplane tickets! Leaving friends and families behind is the hardest part for many. Some see it as an opportunity to learn, the best way to open your eyes to new cultures and people, learning new languages and being able to proudly say: ”I’ve done it”.

What is the best thing about working abroad? 

- If I had not come here, then I really would have missed experiencing a different kind of life on the other side of the world! Vimalraj Arumuga, India / Espoo 

- New people, new culture. I love to explore this world and working abroad make this dream come true. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- One can learn about new cultures, visit new places and learn many new things professionally as well as personally. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- I believe it does pay more, than what I could have earned in my home country. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

What is the hardest thing about working in another country? 

- Hmm, we don’t have a similar working culture - and in India, most of my friends are from my office. Here it’s different. Vimalraj Arumugam, India / Espoo 

- I'm missing a family. You cannot just drive from office to visit you parents. Some friends stayed in Latvia and I miss them too. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- The hardest thing about working in another country is that there is no one to take care of you, especially when you are sick. And you feel lonely many times. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- Language and culture are hardest, but you will start adopting. But of course sometimes you miss your own culture, atmosphere of working, and sometimes when you face language barrier it makes you sad. But then again facing challenges makes you stronger and make you smarter to deal with any problems in the future. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

The good and the bad times is all part of it. Everyone has them. Thanks to today’s technology at hand, Skype and Facebook make it possible to keep contact with home!

What were the reactions of your family when you decided to go abroad? 

- Actually my dad was very happy as I’m the first person among my relatives to travel abroad, but my mom had some hard feelings because I was moving away. But it did not take much time for me to convince her as I was already away from our home and doing my studies in hostel for the last 10 years. Vimalraj Arumuga,. India / Espoo 

- It was a big surprise for all my family members and friends as I never lived abroad before. However, everyone supported me a lot and after few days of thinking I decided to try my luck and signed the contract. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- They were supportive and positive. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- They were happy and sad in the same time, I guess. They were happy because I would go to Europe and study and become a great person, achieve dreams, but they were sad because they would miss me since I would be gone very far from them. Maybe they were also afraid of how and what kind of trouble I would face in the start. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

Photo by Paul J. Everett / Flickr

What do you miss the most from home? 

- Mom and food. Evening chats with friends and a lot to add on! Vimalraj Arumugam, India / Espoo 

- Family and mom’s food, and the cat. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

-Love, care and togetherness of family. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- I miss Sun and my mother, family and friends. And a lot of festivals too. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

If you could have something from home with you right now, what would it be? 

- My mom and my belongings from home. Vimalraj Arumugam, India / Espoo 

- I don’t need any things as I have everything already here but I would like to have my family closer. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- More sunshine and my family. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

Opportunities
Abroad you may have better chances of getting work in the subject that you majored in academically, if there isn’t enough job offers in your home country. Some are temped for the money. Working abroad also enables some to connect with people within their field of work and help boost their career.

Why did you want/decide to work abroad? 

- It’s always a dream for any guy in India to have a career in foreign country and here I am! (Laughing) Vimalraj Arumugam, India / Espoo 

- While I was working in Riga I got a really good job offer from Siemens IT Solutions and Services. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- It was my own decision. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- I went for it so that I can achieve my future dreams having a degree from a European University. It will make it easier to get a job in Asian culture, it think. It’s also about prestige, what society would talk about you, making your parents proud of what you did. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

What are the benefits of working abroad? 

-First thing, money – YES! But very soon I realized that it’s not only money, but also the possibility to get to know the people here and their ways. I’m still observing! Vimalraj Arumuga, India / Espoo 

- The main benefit is a chance to start your life from the scratch. It is almost like living second life – new people, new way of living, new language. It makes your vision broader and it develops your personal flexibility. Also, now I am not afraid of moving to another country if needed. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- There are many benefits: It broadens your horizon, provides opportunity to work in a multicultural and international environment, you can learn lots of new things, etc. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku

Photo by Alinasta / Flickr

How will you benefit from this work experience in the future? 

- Moral values have been improved a lot here, so I will definitely consider that for lifetime! Vimalraj Arumugam, India / Espoo 

- As I mentioned before it is a great experience if you work abroad. I became more flexible, met new people, learnt new language and developed a lot as a person. Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- It is an unique experience. Working abroad broadened my horizon and gave me more confidence and was good for my career. Anonymous, Nepal / Turku 

- Finland is known as one of the best countries in the world so it should give you lots plus point for your future work. Anonymous, Nepal / Helsinki

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to work abroad? 

-Yeah, sometimes, we might have to go through hard phase, but just keep it cool as there are lot of positive points around! Vimalraj Arumugam, India / Espoo 

- Spend some time on your new home country's investigation. Try to find friends or your community people in advance. Be active when you move to another country. More time and efforts you will spend right after reallocation, easier life will be later. Trust me you will have plenty of time to enjoy after you settled down. Have a positive thinking – everything will be always good! Alexandra, Latvia / Helsinki 

- Be prepared emotionally as well as professionally. If you can’t handle it well, it’s hard but if you can, it is really wonderful. Anonymous, Nepali, Turku 

- Having a proper view of what and how you are going to study/work is very necessary. Be prepared and don’t keep too high expectation beforehand. Anonymous, Nepali, Helsinki

Pia Grundström 
Laura Kunnas

Sources:
Ministry of Employment and the Economy 

Practicing Hard

The premiere of Temporary Lives is only 17 days away. That means the team is busy with final practices. There are altogether about 50 people in the play, so you know you can expect a huge show. And we are of course working hard to make the experience very entertaining for you all.

Are you interested to have a glimpse of what goes on before the play is ready to be performed on stage? Here are some pictures from our rehersals. These pictures have both acting and dancing scenes. Take a look!

Arti and Virpi are practicing their acting.

Tero and Laura at acting practice.

Tero, Laura and Uma at acting practice.

Arti is teaching one of the dances.

A dance battle group practicing their steps.

Dancing Bhangra

Rumpa and Ilona starting a big dance scene, more people waiting to join them.

Ilona is teaching the guys their steps for the big dance scene.

The other dance battle group practicing.

Romantic song dancers.

Rumpa teaching

Script reading.