Diving Deep into Collaboration
By Sabīne Neilande
In October 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in the Theater in Palm residency, held in Barcelona, Spain. Organized by ESPRONCEDA Institute of Art & Culture and the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM – CSIC), this program wasn’t just about creating art—it was a chance to connect with talented international artists and exchange ideas.
As a freelance dancer from Latvia, this residency offered a unique opportunity to step away from my day-to-day tasks and immerse myself fully in my creative work. For two weeks, I could fully immerse myself in my craft, free from interruptions. It’s rare to find such a supportive space to focus on creativity, and I cherished every moment of it.
First Impressions of Barcelona
Barcelona instantly captivated me. The Espronceda’s large, adaptable space met all of our artistic
requirements. Located in a lively area with visual and circus artists around, it was an inspiring place
that sparked our creativity. The space itself had a stylish, urban feel, blending artistic charm with a
modern touch, making it a perfect environment for creating.
Our group consisted of five artists from different disciplines and from different countries: me,
Sabīne, a dance artist from Latvia; Anita Szymańska, a multidisciplinary creator from Poland; Eirini
Petraki, a Greek actress, opera singer, and playwright; Ellen Finnerty, an Irish physical theater
artist; and Marcos Mereles, a London-based filmmaker. From the very beginning, our dynamic was
warm and collaborative. We shared our artistic practices, exchanged ideas, and quickly transformed
into a team where experimentation thrived.
Exploring Marine Life Through Art
The residency’s theme centered on marine life and ecology. To deepen our understanding, the organizers arranged lectures. Dr. Josep Lloret’s talk on “Oceans and Human Health” revealed fascinating connections between marine ecosystems and human well-being, while Dr. Christian Alonso’s session on “Institutional Eco-logics” examined how ecological challenges intersect with social and political structures.
Barcelona itself inspired us. A visit to the local library introduced us to the city’s rich history and its evolving shoreline. These experiences, combined with the lectures, helped us weave a narrative addressing both local and global concerns.
Crafting the Performance
Our creative process was all about experimentation. We explored different ideas, refining and building on those that truly connected with our vision to create the structure. Collaboration was at the heart of our work. Each of us brought our unique perspectives to scenography, storytelling, and performance. As a dance artist, I contributed movement-based ideas and choreography that helped bring the story to life.
The Final Performance: “Faces to the Sea”
Our performance explored the complex relationship between urban growth, human behavior, and
the sea. As cities expand, they often invade on or destroy the natural world. In our story, people
living on the fringes of the city— “with their backs to the wall and their faces to the sea”—were
forced to seek refuge underwater.
Yet, this underwater world posed a question: Was it a utopia or the start of a new dystopia? Every discipline was represented in the piece. From physical theater and vocal techniques to projections of old maps of Barcelona’s coastline, each element worked together to tell the story.
Reflections and Aspirations
This residency was a wonderful chance to work with talented and passionate artists while focusing
fully on creating. It helped me see my work in a new way and encouraged me to look for more
opportunities to collaborate internationally.
One common challenge with residencies is sustainability. Often, the premiere marks the end of the
project, leaving little time to improve or explore the ideas further. I believe the premiere should
mark the beginning of the journey, allowing artists more opportunities to improve their work and
explore its full potential. Residencies are a great beginning, but extending their impact could lead to
even bigger possibilities.
Barcelona’s lively culture and friendly atmosphere made it the perfect place for this inspiring
experience. I’ll always remember the city, the amazing team I worked with, and how much I grew
as an artist. I’m truly thankful for this opportunity and excited to see where this project will go next.
