Seeking Algarvian talent

“It’s true, we’re living through a huge crisis, and it’s not simply a Portuguese problem. It’s affecting the whole of Europe.

I’ve just come back from Paris where it is very evident. By chance, I read an interview with French presidential candidate Martine Aubry who promises he will give a lot of attention to culture, as he considers it a fundamental reference for all people.

I think we need to come out of the crisis – not just economically, but from a psychological point of view as well.

“No-one can flourish with something pursuing them and taking all the optimism and pleasure from life. I truly believe art can help people live better, and open new horizons and paths. It’s a premise I have believed since initiating my career. I think culture can help in such a dark moment as this.” These are the words of Giacomo Scalisi.

And his optimism has a justification – “we’re going to get people moving”, he guarantees. Until the middle of October, anyone interested, of any age, can put themselves forward to participate in the cast of the upcoming show «Vale».

“During the week, a group of dancers will work with a group of people – from children aged six to elderly people”.

The number of participants will depend on the capacity of each borough’s theatre – with a maximum of around 50.

“And remember, there’ll be five different performances. This is very interesting as it means we’ll “discover” a lot of people, from anonymous talent to those already linked to the culture of each particular town”.

Support for the new project has been particularly strong in Faro - where there’s actually a waiting list. But in the other boroughs of central Algarve - Olhão, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira –there are still places waiting to be filled.

The first performance of «Vale» will take place on 12th November at Faro’s Teatro das Figuras, and the last is scheduled for 11th December at Cine-Teatro Sambransense.

“I think being able to take part in a project like «Vale» is very interesting as it gives people the opportunity to live the experience of contemporary dance – and then to show the result to the public, including friends and acquaintances. This can help create new habits among a community that’s not used to going to the theatre.

But, in a way the title « Movimenta-te» does hold some irony. “Yes, mobility is a big issue in the Algarve.

The train system could be a solution, but it is what it is – and now with the road tolls, things will get even worse. But, in the end, I don’t think any of it will get in the way of anyone who’s really interested in taking part.

“This idea isn’t just about people getting moving across kilometres – but getting moving from a mental point of view. It’s about people not being stuck and looking for other alternatives, which are not just material things.”

And it’s not just uninhibited people that Scalisi and his team are looking for. «Vale» will serve “as the introduction for the other new creation of theatre-dance that we’ll be presenting in April, in collaboration with choreographers Madalena Victorino, Ainhoa Vidal and director Gonçalo Amorim”.

The difference is that for this second production – to be developed in creative residence from 2nd January to 16th March 2012 – a cast of locals with some experience or artistic training will be required: musicians, actors, dancers and performers.

It will be a way of getting to know the “human potential” existing in the Algarve. Anyone interested should send his or her CV and photograph as soon as possible, and then on 19th and 20th October there’ll be auditions at the Cineteatro Louletano.

Questioned on how he feels about returning to the Algarve, Scalisi answers: “What a provocative question… of course, I like working here - although my first experience didn’t go that well. I like it because this is a place where it’s still possible to do a great deal.

One can dream up projects here and try out different dynamics that may be useful to the region. For example, wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a “new circus” tour here! I think it would be a great idea, because there’s nothing like it anywhere in the country.”

And what more can we expect? “We’re going to create a dance orchestra with various musicians from the region – and then we’re going to stage dances in various towns. The only exception is Faro, where the LAICA company will perform «Don Giovanni». They’ve already performed at a dinner-show in Portimão. The Faro performance will take place in the spring at the catering school of the Algarve (“Escola de Hotelaria do Algarve”) and also involve some of the pupils.”

We should add that the «Movimenta-te» project will be also offering a number of activities for schoolchildren and families. These were thought up to help combat the seasonality of these kinds of events (as most of them will be taking place during the winter). “People who live here all year round also have the right to quality events”, concluded Scalisi.

INFO:

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