Premiered in 1992 by Companhia de Dança de Almada, the work has become an essential reference in the history of contemporary dance in Portugal, having toured extensively both nationally and internationally. Its relevance remains undiminished, as demonstrated by the successive restagings by professional dance companies and dance training institutions.

In O CANSAÇO DOS SANTOS, Clara Andermatt delves deeper into the most primal and archetypal dimensions of human emotion. A work rich in symbolism, it brings ritualistic and religious icons into contact with intense physicality and an assertive sexuality. The piece creates a theatrical portrait of two characters in a constant state of searching — for themselves, for each other, and for answers that remain unresolved.

ARTISTIC CREDITS

Direction and Choreography CLARA ANDERMATT | Performers MARIANA GONÇALVES and SARA LOPES | Artistic Assistant and Rehearsal Director AMÉLIA BENTES | Set Design CLARA ANDERMATT | Music LAURENT PETITGAND | Lighting Design CRISTINA PIEDADE | Costumes CARLOTA LAGIDO | Acknowledgements MATILDE RODRIGUES | Production ACCCA – COMPANHIA CLARA ANDERMATT | Supported by PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC – CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORT / DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR THE ARTS; LISBON CITY COUNCIL; INTERPRESS – HUB CRIATIVO DO BAIRRO ALTO; ESCOLA SUPERIOR DE DANÇA | Media Partners ANTENA 2; COFFEEPASTE | Co-production LUGAR PRESENTE | Age Recommendation 6+ | Approximate Duration 15 MIN

The performance O Cansaço dos Santos was originally created in 1992 for Companhia de Dança de Almada.