NEWS / 17.6.2026
Taina Mäki-Iso is one of the best-known experts of physical theatre and clownery in Finland. As a director, teacher, and performer, she has played a significant role in establishing clowning as a popular and respected art form in Finland—and internationally—over the past fifteen years. Taina has taught most of the professionals in the field in Finland and has served as a lecturer and workshop leader around the world. For example, in the summer of 2026, she will teach Bouffon – grotesque comedy – at the Tampere Summer University, and in late autumn she will lead a course in clownery in Helsinki. Both courses are part of the curriculum at the Uniarts Theater Academy. “It has been a joy to share the world of clowning and physical theater with several generations,” Taina notes.
Taina’s latest directing project is the clown solo MAMI by Veera Tapanainen, which explores, among other things, the combination of motherhood and being an artist—as well as mummies. This year, Taina is also serving as a mentor to choreographer and performance artist Mikko Niemistö for his work The Tormentor, which will premiere in November.
As a Clown on Stage: A Tragicomedy of Medea and a Reflection on the Phenomena of Life
Taina Mäki-Iso not only teaches clowning, but she also lives it on stage. Her solo works, such as MEDEA: Clownish Rage Management, have received widespread attention. The piece is a tragicomic interpretation of Euripides’ classic tale, in which Medea from Greek mythology kills her own children in revenge. In Taina Mäki-Iso’s version, Clown Martta is cast in this staggering role, but the clown is horrified by the story’s cruelty. How on earth can she convey all this horror? Many things annoy Martta, and her own anger management is also put to the test. This September, performances for school children will be arranged in Tornio.
This is the essence of clowning: deep emotions lie hidden behind laughter. Taina Mäki-Iso’s work shows that even difficult topics can be addressed with warm humor. Laughter is like a gateway to other emotions—not just a means of expressing joy, but also anger, sadness, and rage. “A clown’s sense of wonder toward life makes it possible to address even the toughest issues with lightness—but not superficiality,” Taina explains.
Laughter as Medicine and a Source of Hope
For over 20 years, Taina has worked as a hospital clown, performing as Clowndoctor Tanttarulla at the New Children’s Hospital in Helsinki. She also serves as a mentor to her fellow hospital clowns and leads the mentoring team. At the hospital, the clown’s role is to lighten the mood, bring joy to challenging moments, and help young patients prepare for medical procedures. The work of hospital clowns is a form of multidisciplinary collaboration developed in partnership with doctors, nurses, and other professionals. The association of hospital clowns, Sairaalaklovnit ry is a valued part of the Finnish healthcare system..
“A clown strives to create an interactive moment in which a child or young person is seen and heard in ways other than through their illness. Our task is to create safe and playful encounters where a child can forget their illness for a moment. On the other hand, once a shared play experience has begun, the clown’s support and presence can also help during a medical procedure or while preparing for one. The clown doesn’t just entertain—they’re part of the care team,” Taina explains.
Science Theater and Social Impact
Taina also engages in multidisciplinary collaboration in other fields. This autumn, her character A!Oisram continues to inspire children and young people in Aalto University’s Junior Science Theater. Science Theater explores fascinating phenomena in science and the arts, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, game design, and infinity. The Junior Science Theater’s slogan, “When curiosity knows no bounds, you can do anything!” also fits perfectly with A!Oisram’s role as the event’s host and an inspiration for wonder. The goal is to spark curiosity and creativity in young people and encourage them to explore science and the arts.
The Wheel of Life and Sense of Community
Ahead of the Science Theater’s upcoming seasons, Taina’s clown character Madame T will visit senior centers and libraries in August 2026 to spin the wheel of life together with city residents. The interactive performance Madame T: The Game of Life was selected for the City of Espoo’s Future Stories Art Mobs, which aim to foster peace and hope in urban spaces.
“Will the Wheel of Fortune land on love, money, work, dreams, or something else entirely? These are important issues where we can discover new—and even comical—perspectives together,” Taina explains. The performance invites the audience to participate and reflect on life’s big questions through play and laughter.
Art Brings People Together
Taina Mäki-Iso’s work spans clowning, hospital clowning, science theater, and community art projects. Her art not only entertains but also touches people, sparks reflection, and fosters a sense of community. Through clowning, she demonstrates that laughter can be empowering, healing, and even transformative for society.
“Clowning moves us to laughter and other emotions. It can surprise us and sometimes even provoke us. Art is important because it gives us tools to understand the world and ourselves. And sometimes the best way to understand is to laugh—especially at ourselves,” Taina summarizes.
Read more about Taina Mäki-Iso’s work: https://tainamakiiso.wixsite.com/
Taina Mäki-Iso has been a member artist of Arts Management Helsinki since 2018.
Photos: Tanssiteatteri Hurjaruuth