Onwards to the Booth (O dromos mexri to periptero)
For the very first time Medea Electronique undertakes the adaptation of a literary work for the stage and decides to use the poetry of one of the most charismatic representatives of the “new generation” of poets in Greece, Giannis Stigas. Giannis Nikolaides, an esteemed dancer, participates in this creative procedure, and, with his body as his guide, the story unfolds on stage.“Onwards to the Booth” (“O dromos mexri to periptero”), the collection of poems by G. Stigas – which was published by Mikrh Arktos publications in 2012 – in the hands of Medea Electronique, becomes the issue at stake in the fullness of time, the finding of even the slightest of reasons why one should cross the road to the other side, if even for the simple reason to buy a packet of cigarettes.
The creation of art, of life and ultimately the reason for which to live life beautifully. The construction of a performance before the eyes of the audience. On stage we witness constructivism and cinema in real time, electronic experimentation and melodies along with the human body and its motion. Miniatures, projections, screens, cameras, analogical and digital sound devices, live experimentation with DIY musical instruments. The attempt, in other words, by human beings to give meaning to themselves, to life, to the world. The need to create meaning within the chaos of the world. The duty of each personal, personally, and each society, collectively – even when it doesn’t exist – to create. Each time from the very beginning.
A performance which moves within the three dimensions of history: past-present-future.
The perpetual war between opposing principles, the incessant flow of opposites, according to which everything is either created or destroyed. Always towards a fragile, ephemeral balance. Love, revolution, poetry. Political poetry? For Stigas himself, if “A Cloud in Trousers” by Mayakovsky, the “Neolithic Nightsong in Kronstandt” by Karouzos and the Three Poems under a Flag of Convenience by Elytis are considered political poetry, then, yes, “Onwards to the Booth” could also be considered so.
And so, players and games of the world… The meaning has been found. The meaning has been lost. Here we go again.
The work is presented within the wider concept of the “Literature on Stage” project and is an initiative of the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation. Within the framework of this action, the artists interact with writers of their generation, searching for the common language and the common way with which their common experiences, hopes and fears can be portrayed. Following on from the performances by Medea Electronique, is the performance “Alba” by Thomas Tsalapatis, directed by Constantinos Chatzis and Maria Fakinou’s “The beginning of Evil” (“Arxh tou Kakou”), directed by Maria Maganari.
ABOUT MEDEA ELECTRONIQUE
With an underlying wordplay between Medea and Media – Medea Electronique was founded in 2006 and is made up of artists who share a common attitude towards innovation, moving within the entire range of modern art. Active in areas such as music, motion picture, drawing, multimedia, programming, interactive technologies and the production of multimedia events, the members of the group combine unique fields of research and practice in the attempt to create a very particular style. Medea Electronique’s actions include modern theatre performances, experimental audiovisual events, electronic music compositions, and art workshops. Quite a few members of Medea Electronique combine artistic creation with academic research. Their work has been presented at the Onassis Cultural Centre, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Benaki Museum, the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, The French Institute in Athens, the Tannery, and at Booze during festivals and events.
ABOUT GIANNIS NIKOLAIDES
A graduate of the Greek National School of Dance, he has collaborated, as a dancer, with, amongst others, the dance groups griffon, Oktana, lathos kinish, Persa Stamatopoulou, as well as with Dimitris Papaioannou, Andonis Foniadakis, Angeliki Stellatou and more. He has choreographed solo and in conjunction with other choreographers performances and projects which have been presented at Festivals in Greece and abroad. He supervises the movement in theatrical performances and commercial TV spots whilst he also teaches modern dance at studios and dance schools in Athens as well as at the drama school Praxi Epta.
ABOUT GIANNIS STIGAS
Giannis Stigas was born in Athens in 1977. He studied medicine. In 2004 his first collection of poems was published, entitled “The Vagrancy of Blood”. He has collaborated with various magazines. His poems have been translated into French, German, English, Bulgarian and Serbian.
Bibliography
The vagrancy of blood, 2004, Gavriilidis ed.,
Vision will start again, 2006, Kedros ed.,
An even wound, 2009, Kedros ed,
Onwards to the booth, 2012, Mikri Arktos ed.
I saw Rubik’s cube eaten up, 2014 Mikri Arktos ed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
www.medeaelectronique.com
www.facebook.com/medeaelectroniquecom
INFORMATION FOR MEDIA REPRESANTIVES
High resolution photographs: © Zak Varvaresso
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jo5y79sxzzf0ib6/AADxayHk2GM77fWr1z9dOITja?dl=0
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