Italy introducing residency artists
In November, E35 Foundation will host their upcoming artistic residency in Italy, taking place from the 4th to the 16th. This iteration of the Theatre in Palm residency will be held in the inspiring setting of “Officine Creative Reggiane”, in collaboration with Mamimò Theatre Company, bringing together a diverse group of talented artists from around the world. The focus of this residency is centered on two vital themes: Gender Equality and Environmental Sustainability.
Under the expert guidance of Marco Maccieri, Fabio Bando and Gabriele Albanese, the selected artists will collaborate, exploring innovative ways to intertwine these themes into their creative practice. Each participant brings a distinctive approach and unique skill set, enriching the residency through a blend of artistic expression, cultural perspectives, and shared experiences. The aim is to foster a supportive and stimulating environment where different backgrounds and talents can complement each other, sparking meaningful dialogue and impactful artistic work.
Aliki Stenou
Aliki Stenou is a Greek actress, director and theatre maker with a solid academic background and extensive international experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Acting and Theatre Making from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London with distinction and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Technical University of Athens with distinction. Aliki has acted in numerous theatre productions, including The Three Sisters (2024), Vita Nova (2023) and Dying as a Country (2022-2023).
She has worked as an actress and director in prestigious contexts such as the Epidaurus Theatre, the Bloomsbury Festival in London and the Onassis Theatre in Athens. She has collaborated with important directors, including Dimitris Tsiamis and Argyro Chioti.
She has participated in various film projects, such as the film Sunday’s Adult (2024) and the short film Dangling Man (2020), selected in international festivals. She has participated in numerous workshops in physical theatre, improvisation and acting techniques with renowned teachers all over Europe.
Federico Mattioli
Federico Mattioli is a young Italian author and playwright, currently doing a PhD in Literature at the University of Turin, where he is working on an innovative project on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Theatre’. He has a high-level academic background, having graduated with honours in Modern Philology at La Sapienza in Rome, with a thesis on Anglo-American literature.
Federico has broadened his artistic training by taking part in numerous advanced training courses, including a course in dramaturgy at Emilia Romagna Teatro’s Iolanda Gazzerro School, and has attended prestigious workshops such as BLOOM – Masterclass on Investigative Theatre and the Venice Biennale’s course in playwriting.
In the field of artistic experience, he has already obtained important awards. His text “Il Macello” was presented in a mise en lecture at the Teatro Storchi in Modena and won the Young Jury Prize at the Teatri Riflessi International Festival. Another work, Il Gorilla Quadrumano, was selected for the Bonsai Festival in Ferrara. Federico also worked as a scriptwriter for the Perruncho Animation Studio in Las Palmas, where he wrote the animated short film Una Noche a Bordo, based on a short story by Benito Pérez Galdós.
Leon Brander
Leon Brander is an actor based in Stockholm, Sweden, with a strong passion for emotional expression and activities such as writing and improvisation.
Brander has solid international experience, having studied at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, where he completed a three-year programme in TV, film and theatre, acquiring advanced skills in camera acting, theatre techniques, dialects and voice over. He continued his training with workshops in techniques such as Alba Emoting and the ReFocus Method.
In terms of work experience, he has held leading and supporting roles in theatre productions such as “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Stormen” in Stockholm, as well as performing in several choral and theatre productions in both the US and Sweden.
Viktorija Portnova
Viktorija Portnova is an actress with extensive educational and professional experience in theatre and cinema. She earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre and cinema pedagogy at the Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences and a master’s degree in acting from East 15 Acting School in London. She has also completed additional acting courses and workshops at prestigious institutions such as GITIS in Moscow, the National Theatre of Northern Thessaloniki in Greece, and Civica Scuola di Teatro Paolo Grassi in Milan. Her continuous pursuit of training highlights her commitment to honing her craft and staying versatile in an ever-evolving industry.
Portnova has taken part in numerous theatre and film productions, showcasing her adaptability and depth as a performer. Notable roles include performances like A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe Theatre in London and recent films such as L’Ultima Notte d’Amore (2023).
Her filmography reflects a diverse range of genres and complex characters, which underscore her talent for bringing stories to life. She is fluent in Lithuanian, Russian, and English, with intermediate proficiency in Italian, adding a multilingual edge to her profile. She also possesses advanced musical skills, dances in various styles, and engages in sports such as horse riding and ice skating, which further enrich her versatility on stage and screen.
Asia Yakauleva
Asia Yakauleva is a talented drama and puppet theater director with a strong foundation in both fields. She has directed numerous performances across prestigious theaters, including the Republican Theater of Belarusian Drama and the Belarusian State Youth Theatre. Her notable works include “Everything is Fine,” “Sworn Maidens,” and “The Learned Women.” Yakauleva’s expertise extends to puppet theater, demonstrated by her direction of “On Science and Art” at the Brest Puppet Theater.
She has received several awards, such as the Best Dramatic Performance at the 2023 Open Competition for “ZZJ” and the Best Musical Arrangement for “Sworn Maidens” at the 2022 International Youth Theater Festival.
Her education includes a BA in Theater from the Belarusian University of Culture and Arts and specialized training in puppet theater from the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts. She also pursued advanced studies in production at the Moscow Art Theater. Yakauleva’s work is characterized by its depth and variety, earning her recognition across international theater festivals.
