Continuing on the theme of Mikael Kivimäki’s blog post about "That scene", Salomon and Salvador talk about their favourite or least favourite moments in the play for their own characters.

“Welcome to the Paradox Gala,” says Salomon Marttila. “The awards for Favourite and Least Favourite Moment both go to... The speech. In it, I address all topics relevant to me (as Ned) in a profound journey from heaven to hell via the coffee table. It's a beast of a monologue that's always intimidating to confront, but enjoyable to ride once I've got it submitted to my will. This part, even as primarily a solo moment, represents to me the magic of acting: getting lost in the zone and tapping into deep emotional vulnerability. It's equally easy and hard, fun and terrifying, love and hate – all those great paradoxes that make theatre.”

Salvador Esparza’s favourite moment is at the very end of the play: “Working on this play has been an incredible opportunity to figure out how to convey very complex and soul-deep emotions without the use of spoken or written language. I don't want to spoil too much, but at the very end, Jan's life is forever changed, and it all hinges on a couple of small mouth sounds....”

And soon you’ll be able to read more about the challenges and rewards of acting without words in an upcoming blog post, from the perspectives of both the actors and director.

Photos from the last rehearsal taken by Anni Taponen

So how do things play out on the Small Mouth Sounds silent retreat? Are the participants nervous beforehand, and do they find the inner peace they're looking for? Which of these photos would best represent “before” and which “after”?

The retreat participants: Rodney (front row) and back row (from left to right) Jan, Judy, Joan, Ned and Alicia.

Would the idea of a silent meditation retreat in the woods fill you with joy or horror? Would you be more worried about confronting your own inner demons or potentially being trapped in the forest with a bunch of psychos? Well, if you were taking part, these are the thoughts that would be buzzing around the heads of your fellow participants on the night before the retreat. Who would you be most like, and who would you most like to avoid?

“This time something will change. I just know it. I’ll be able to get through to them. And that will help me deal with my own… circumstances. It will. No, this time it really will.” – the Teacher

“Looking forward to losing my ‘retreat virginity’, even though it feels weird and kind of scary. I’ve never really been into this spirituality stuff, but I’m hoping it will make me feel okay again.” – Alicia

“That last retreat I attended really helped me clear my mind and recharge. Here’s hoping that happens again, because I’m just too tired to deal with anything anymore.” – Joan

“Can’t wait to spend another five days of quality time with Joan! Gotta say I’m not really looking forward to yet another retreat, but Joan loves them and I wouldn’t want her to go with someone else.” – Judy

“Finally! Time for another retreat. Time to escape from this boring everyday shit and be Myself. And have people see the real ME. Even if it’s only for five fucking days.” – Rodney

“Kinda nervous about meeting Her, but boy do I need to feel some kind of spiritual connection with my fellow humans again – romantic or platonic or whatever – and in a place like this, anything could happen….” – Ned 

“Meditation? Why the hell did I sign up for meditation? Oh well, maybe it might end up doing me some good? It sure can’t be worse than that last thing I tried. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?” – Jan 

What indeed….?

Photos: Anni Taponen
Text: Zach Chamberlaine

Read more about Small Mouth Sounds

As Small Mouth Sounds is set during a silent retreat in the woods, the team took a little excursion into nature to get into the spirit of things.

Although an outdoor rehearsal was initially planned, the weather was a bit too nippy, so the fun was confined to a photoshoot. The director's initial instructions for the shoot included the infamous line: "Mikael – dress warmly, but be prepared to be naked from the waist up. With beads."

The six retreat participants are all set for five days in the woods without smartphones and small talk!

In fact, there had initially been a wild idea to have some performances in the woods – maybe out in the depths of Nuuksio – so the audience could pull up their camping stools, yoga mats or sleeping bags and watch the action unfold while pretending they were also silent participants on the retreat....

But that idea was unfortunately abandoned due to the vagaries of the Finnish weather. You never know what you're going to get in early October: over the past twenty years, we've seen everything from a balmy Indian summer to a couple of centimetres of snow.

So instead, we're inviting you to enjoy the play in the warm and drizzle-free atmosphere of the NoName Theatre. But as theatre audiences are expected to stay silent, you can still pretend you're on the retreat as well.

The Teacher – accompanied by the stage manager and director – all looking characteristically shady in their own way.

Photos: Anni Taponen

Read more about Small Mouth Sounds