Girjái is a radical decolonial queer utopia: a communal performative gathering organized in a lávvu.

It is 2076, 50 years after we all became free. All forms of structural oppression have ended, and the world as it was once known no longer exists. Yet there is still a need for dreaming and radical joy. We invite you to dream with us in the decolonial queer lávvu that we began to travel with after the revolution.

Girjái consists of yoiks, dance, stories, music, alter-egos and dreaming together. It is dedicated specifically to queer Sámi and BIPOC queer people of all times; past, present and future, but absolutely everyone is welcome.

We are still here - and we are still queer.

Admission to the performances is free. Each performance lasts approximately 1–1.5 hours without intermission. Languages: Northern Sámi, Finnish and English.

Dreaming workshops

After the performances, the audience is invited to participate in a dreaming workshop expanding on the themes of the performance, living in the year 2076. How does freedom feel? Who are you in freedom? Who is around you and what are you doing?

The methods used include various writing assignments and discussions in small groups and among all participants. The languages used are Finnish, Northern Sami, and English, depending on the needs of the participants.

The dreaming workshops are organized as part of the CRAFT-IT4SD project. Participation is free of charge.

Venue

The Girjái performances and dreaming workshops take place at Oamk’s STARTS LAB hybrid studio, located on Oamk’s Linnanmaa campus (Yliopistokatu 9, Oulu).

• Arrival and parking instructions for the Linnanmaa campus can be found on Oamk’s website.
• The location of the STARTS LAB studio on the MazeMap campus navigator.

Accessibility of the venue

Designated accessible parking spaces can be found in the parking areas of all our facilities. The STARTS LAB studio is located on the 2nd floor of the Linnanmaa campus and can be reached via accessible elevators. The closest accessible entrances to the STARTS LAB studio are the main entrance C or door C5, both equipped with automatic door openers.

Support

The Girjái performance and dreaming workshops are supported by the Kone Foundation, Oulu Culture Foundation, Nordic Culture Point, Saami Council and the CRAFT-IT4SD project.