Voices in Motion: Stories of Identity and Expression
Photo taken by: Antonis G. Antoniou
The first performance that truly captivated me was by a Spanish dance theatre group from Valencia conducted by Paula Esteve and Paula Segarra. The dancers delivered a stunning portrayal of femininity, emphasizing the often-overlooked contributions of women, particularly women artists, throughout history. During the Q&A session, they expressed their desire to highlight female narratives. Their choreography inspired deep self-reflection, drawing me in with the imagery of a painter creating alongside her awakening muse. This powerful connection illustrated that an artist cannot thrive without her muse, resulting in a harmonious coexistence. Numerous moments featured beautifully synchronized movements, and the absence of dialogue created a space for diverse interpretations.
The second performance, which I thoroughly enjoyed, came from Sweden. The creative trio of Sofi Orem Skoglund, Isak Nordstrøm, and Mille Bostedt crafted a piece inspired by conversations with transgender youth. They engaged these individuals in shaping the performance, which incorporated elements of dance, musical theatre, and improvisation. This vibrant mix of scenes effectively reflected the challenges and everyday thoughts of young people. The performers were in remarkable physical shape, delivering a dynamic and engaging presentation.
Photo taken by: Antonis G. Antoniou
Lastly, the performance from Greece stood out impressively. The storyline depicted a tourist who loses her identity card and seeks help from a reluctant local resident on a Greek island. Over time, their relationship blossoms into a friendship. The actresses- Agapi Iosifidou and Evangelia Keramari and skillfully utilized the festival’s set design, skillfully conveying shifts in locations despite the fixed backdrop. The energy of the female artists was infectious, and their well-executed conflict generated laughter in the audience on multiple occasions.
Photo taken by: Antonis G. Antoniou
Overall, each performance was exceptional, fostering dialogue and encouraging an atmosphere of acceptance. This openness allowed us to improvise and adapt the text freely as we took to the stage.
Weronika Mikuła (ETFI)
