Moomintroll is author Tove Jansson’s alter-ego. Moominmamma and Moominpappa are based on her parents, who were artists.
Greve customised the piece especially for Japan, where the Moomins are hugely popular. “They’re Finland’s best export ambassadors.” When asked about the message he hopes to impart with the Moomin ballet, Greve leans back and beams widely. “Ah, this is my comfort zone! As a young boy in Denmark, I used to read Who Will Comfort Toffle? and I always loved Jansson’s ideology of kindness. The Moomins are very tolerant creatures; their home is always open to misfits. I’m a goodwill ambassador against racism, and themes promoting tolerance are close to my heart. It’s part of my personal ideology.” Being invited to tour Japan is a “huge honour,” adds Greve: “Japanese audiences are very discerning. Only the best ensembles in the world – such as the Wiener Staatsoper and the Bolshoi – are invited to perform there. They’re accustomed to top quality in every detail, so we aim to put on a gala show that showcases our company’s wide range of talents,” he says. Busy Greve is due for his next meeting, but there’s time for the classic question: Which Moomin character is he most like? The Dane hums in contemplation. “A combination, I suppose. My inner child is like the empathetic Moomintroll. As a father and husband, I’m definitely Moominpappa. But when I want something done, I become Little My!” l 34 BLUE WINGS APRIL 2017
For the love of ballet: Antti Keinänen, Mai Komore, and Hanako Matsune.
Silja Kudel is a Helsinki-based writer from Sydney who grew up reading The Book about Moomin, Mymble, and Little My. She feels great sympathy for the misunderstood Groke. Susanna Kekkonen is a passionate photographer who relates to the Moomin character of Snufkin, a nomad who leaves Moominvalley each winter for warmer climes.