Fica no Singelo (Keep It Simple)

“Fica no Singelo” emerges from an in-depth study of the universe of Portuguese traditional popular music and dances, in order to interpret the contexts and their origins, the subject-matter, the interaction with the social environment, the deep rooted habits, the work.

Electing some of the different expressions of folk dance, such as forming the big circle, matching the pairs, the rotation of the circle, and what these elements say about a culture, an identity, a collective imaginary, and what remains of the initial catharsis or hypnosis, Clara Andermatt creates, within the codes of contemporary dance, a new set of forms, expressions, functions and signifiers.

The music, composed by Luís Pedro Madeira, is altered by Jonas Runa’s electronic soundtrack, giving way to a somewhat distorted and intemporal realm.

When the performance ends, the audience is invited to come to the stage to try to carry out some of the work’s choreographic phrases, following the directions of an expert in traditional dances. It is almost like the extension of a self-reflexive rehearsal when one is trying to find new forms for traditional movements.

 

“Everyday habits that reveal the soul. Our soul – in the present or at some other time. A time-land bound to the cycles of Nature; circular and everchanging. The rituals, the celebrations, the voices, the stories, the work…they all involve the body, the dance, the music. From the void to Love. Repeated cadences that mitigate tiredness and encourage the will. Either by necessity or as a defence mechanism, the body reaches hypnotic states. It is just us; us and the other. It is just ourselves and ourselves with the others, all of us, because we are necessary, wanted; for the company, for believing, for the tasks, and the appeasement of solitude. In a circle, in line. In pairs, in a group. Moments for waiting or being humble, of beauty or joy. Simple, just like that.”

Clara Andermatt (2013)

 

“Fica no Singelo” was shortlisted for SPA (Portuguese Society of Authors) - Best Author Award in the “Best Choreography” category. It was also ranked in first place in the category “One of the Best Dance Performances in 2013”, by the prestigious daily newspaper Público, and elected “Dance Performance of the Year”, by the influential weekly newspaper Expresso.

categories

Direction and choreography Clara Andermatt | Musical direction Luís Pedro Madeira and Clara Andermatt | Musical composition Luís Pedro Madeira | Perfomers André Cabral, Bruno Alves, Francisca Pinto, Joana Lopes, Linora Dinga, Sérgio Cobos, Catarina Moura, Luís Peixoto, Quiné Teles | Lighting designer José Álvaro Correia | Costume designer José António Tenente | Electronic soundscape Jonas Runa | Anthropologic research consultant Sophie Coquelin | Traditional dance repertoire Mercedes Prieto and Ana Silvestre | Partnership PédeXumbo | Co-production Culturgest, Teatro Nacional de São João, Teatro Viriato, Centro Cultural Vila Flor | Production ACCCA Companhia Clara Andermatt | Support Musibéria, Associação Filarmónica 25 de Setembro de Montemor-o-Novo

Photos by Inês d'Orey

Next creation

Dance Bailarina Dance (Dance Ballerina Dance)

< back