TIP Academy in Stockholm, remarkably well-orchestrated and varied
My name is Anna, I am a plastic artist from Belgium and I have a great chance to be part of the Theatre in palm academy in Stockholm organised by Intercult.
My participation in the Commedia dell’Arte workshop led by Fabio, a Reggio Emilia-based director, was an extremely enriching experience. I discovered many fascinating details, particularly regarding the handling of masks. For example, I learned the importance of not inserting my fingers into the eyes of the mask when removing it, a detail that may seem trivial but is essential to preserve the integrity of the prop.
Fabio explained in detail which characters exist in the traditional Commedia dell’Arte Interaction.
For example, if it’s the character of Pantalone—rich and greedy—in this case, you will be asked to speak to the woman. During one of the performances, two participants played iconic characters from Commedia dell’Arte wearing masks. One of them, wearing the Pantalone mask, an elderly face with a mustache, brilliantly portrayed a perverse character who clashes with a female character, represented by the Silvia mask. This performance addressed a topic that remains relevant today: the harassment many women suffer, both on the street and elsewhere. This theme, although treated with humor and through the prism of comedy, raises important questions and resonates deeply with our contemporary society.
And because all the characters in the commedia dell’arte are distant from us in time, it is easier to see the strength or insignificance of a particular character and, consequently, to treat them appropriately, even if we encounter someone similar today.
As for the organization of the TIP Academy, it was remarkably well-orchestrated and varied. Information was conveyed in a clear and timely manner by the event coordinators. My opinion on the water performance “Waterkind” by the two Swedish dancers. A very interesting and unique blend. The work and research are very in-depth, and it’s felt in the performance. There’s a connection and a bond between the two performers that really makes you want to watch and makes it even more enjoyable.
When they start dancing, little by little, we forget we’re in a library. We dive into the marine world, and we connect with our very essence, which is water.
Because let’s not forget that our body is largely composed of water, and so is our planet. This reminds us how important it is to take care of what nature provides us without asking for anything in return, other than paying attention to it, which is something natural and normal! The subject of their work is therefore very complex, and any spectator can relate to it because it concerns us all.
I said that we felt there was a real connection between the two dancers. We feel a sense of cohesion, a great understanding, complicity, and communication.
Anna (ETFI)
