The veil of mystery surrounding Humanistispeksi 2015 lifted this week when the name and theme of the fifth impro musical by the students of humanities was announced. This coming February Pe(i)li takes the audience behind the screen into the virtual game kingdom of Consolia. The leading ladies of speksi, second year history major Vilma Kuikka (on the left) and musicology freshman Iiris Nikanne (on the right) tell us why it is so awesome to be part of the speksi family.
What made you interested in Humanistispeksi in the first place?
I: I really wanted to learn about acting and improvisation. Musical theatre is my passion and I wanted a chance to be engaged in it. I saw last year’s speksi and it seemed like fun. I wanted to learn to do just that!
What kind of background do you have in acting?
I: I have played a part in Lohja theatre and spent a year in musical theatre school Skene. I have also performed a lot of songs from musicals, that is the genre I prefer as a singer.
V: Before joining speksi I had had acting as a hobby for six years or so. My tutor told me about speksi and me and my friend auditioned and got cast [in last year’s production]. I had planned to have just one theatre-free year but I couldn’t!
Did you enjoy it so much you wanted to audition again this year?
V: I loved it and simply had to audition again. Our gang became very close very quickly… I missed that feeling. And I wanted to get back on that stage and be a part of a big production.
What is your favourite thing about speksi?
V: The people.
I: It’s hard to pick a favourite thing, there’s so much great stuff… The people are cool, it’s wonderful to make like-minded friends especially in the beginning of my studies. Besides, the feedback from the directors and other cast members helps me to improve as an actor.
Tell us about your roles a little. Vilma, you play a good-hearted thief and a tomboy and also the romantic interest of the protagonist. How did you start building the character?
V: I tried to get rid of every redundant manner and make her as normal as possible. I mean, she’s a teenage girl, I see her as secretly insecure and putting on a brave face.
How about you, Iiris? Who is the mighty sorceress you play?
I: I play the main villain of the story. She’s power-seeking and manipulative, and I tried to find the authority the part requires. However, I feel she may not be as evil as she wants everyone to think.
What’s the main reason everybody should come and see Humanistispeksi 2015?
V: Insanely entertaining three hour show for such a cheap entry ticket.
I: Exactly.
V: During the past few years Humanistispeksi has come a long way and is now one of the best speksis out there.
I: I was in the audience last year and it was a welcome break in the middle of all the entance exam stress. Super relaxing, quality entertainment. I strongly believe that this year’s production is going to be just as awesome.