A Festival to Consider

Over the next two Wednesdays in December –the 9^th & 16^th–

09/12 Turno - Ana Emilia Noguera Berger (Chile) Directora: Marta Gil Polo

16/12 De llençols i cuixineres - Fabio Brandi (Brasil)

 Sitges, with its artistic heritage going back to the days of Santiago Rusiñol’s Modernist Festivals of the 1890s, today has a 21^st century festival to consider presented by—the Teatre dels Argonautes. 

After two years of negotiating with the local government and through a restructuring of government regidores, there still doesn’t seem to be an agreement to bring it to Sitges.

Teatre dels Argonautes, founded in 2007, presents an international exchange in the form of contemporary drama originating from the Spanish and Latin American theatre arenas, and provides a platform for new international playwrights to have their works staged. The Argonautes promote the work through dramatic activities—dramatic readings and gatherings bringing together playwrights, directors, and actors. These occasions can also be called laboratories for drama and development (DNI+D); the performances are held in Castellano and/or Catalan.

III Muestra de dramaturgia Iberomericana en Red

(Third Playwriting Sample of a Network of Latin American Playwrights)

The interpretations are more than just dramatic readings. They are experimental hybrids—between recitation and performance. The actors read the dialogue interpretatively, using physical gestures and utilizing the “stage” or space of the átic22 del Tarantana. Quite often it is easy to forget they are holding the script.

The use of modern technology is one of the highlights of the evening. Even the glitches are part of this new day in theatre utilizing a social media platform.

After each performance, the audience and company get to speak directly with the playwright, live from their native country (this year Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Portugal) via Skype (a computer program that can be used to make free video or audio calls over the Internet).

It gives the playwright the opportunity to elaborate on aspects of his characters, story and his message. And in return, he receives from the audience, it's energy and most importantly, its’ response to the work. Making not only a connection, but a bond for the moment, adding to the magic that can only be had in true theatre.

Equipo Argonautes (The Team)

www.teatredelsargonautes.com

atic22.blogspot.com.es

Founder, Artistic Coordinator and Playwright:

Kleber Luiz Bosque

argonautesteatre@gmail.com / tel. 607 38 94 13

 Production: Juan Carlos Uríszar

ladnteatro@gmail.com / tel. 627 639 379

Supervisor of Texts and Translator: Ángel Ramiro Laguna

Coordinators: Julio Alvarez, Abel Vernet

Actors: Aroa Toro, Damià Domenech, David Font Mauri, Josep Antoni Lej, Mariona Casanovas, Albert Riera Soler, Maribel Martín y Daniel R. Gaona.

[The festival takes place every Wednesday at the Àtic22 from 21 October to 16 December] 

Àtic22 del Teatre Tantarantana

Carrer De les Flors, 22

Barcelona

Tel. 93 441 70 22

atic22@tantarantana.com

Broadway Comes to Sitges

This November I had the pleasure of seeing a performance of Spring Awakening at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona in Sitges.

The IAB photo by Ignasi Monserrat

It was the first time I had gone to the school since I wrote a piece for the 3^rd issue of the SQ, with the theme—“Made in Sitges”. 

(Available on issuu.com/cheycrump)

On the evening, I had no idea what I was going to see. I didn't even know if it was a play, dance or concert but I was happy to go along and see the site function as an educational place for young people.

As I entered the building the halls were buzzing with excitement. The auditorium—almost filled to capacity. And I thought—a performance of dance, when I saw the minimalist set design… the lights dimmed and the night really began…

Spring Awakening is a musical, first staged on Broadway back in 2006, based on the German play of the same name, Spring Awakening (1891) by Frank Wedekind. Set in a late-19th century provincial Germany town, the musical tells the story of pubescent teenagers discovering and exploring their sexuality.

According to the IAB, “when singing, however, the boys and girls assume the manner of contemporary teens. The lights shift with the songs, and we enter the private and timeless world of the character singing. That character may be joined in his or her solitary song by other voices that fill out the chorus of longing”.

The staging was especially good as the entire space was utilized, while the technical crew effectively executed the tough task of supporting the kinetic cast with lighting and audio. Although at times the voices of the leads got a little lost in the background of group musical scenes, nevertheless, the vocals kept us in the intimate realm of the ripening characters.

 

The IAB Campus

Of note in the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic cast would be the lead actors: Nil Roig who made Melchior Gabor soar, the three actresses who portrayed the naïve Wendla Bergmann—Hannah Perry, Robertina Bonano and Amandla Mvitsho; Thomas McHugh who played the tortured Moritz Stiefel and his co-horts, Hanschen Rilow and Ernst Robel, who were festively brought to life by Marc Oller and Pau Pitarch respectively.

Nil Roig as Melchior Gabor 

Albeit not a professional production, the evenings’ show stayed true to the material as it had not been censored. This revival production by the IAB presents the story with some of the principle characters seamlessly played by different actresses sharing roles (wearing the same costume), it pulls the evening off with an infectious enthusiasm. The evening was more than entertaining, the performances more than adequate, and even poignant as this production was more age appropriate than the previous Broadway productions with seasoned adult actors portraying teens. Here, there was no need to make as big a stretch to suspend disbelief.

The IAB certainly serves Sitges well. The caliber of students is impressive and the future shines with brilliant promise for them as well as for this establishment of talent and creativity.

“Spring Awakening”

Book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Music by Duncan Sheik.

With: 

(In order of appearance on the evening of November 21^st, 2015)

Hannah Perry, Iona Blue, Courtney Griffiths, Raquel Pujadas, Felicity Dorey, Fania Folaji, Tom Mullens, Nil Roig, Thomas McHugh, Marc Oller, Pau Pitarch, Shantie Langer, Kay Hernandez, Robertina Bonano, Zoe Buccolini, Saskia von Mendel, Amandla Mvitsho

The Ensemble:

Jess Roberts, Gráinne Kelly, Bláthnaid Sheppard, Cristina Diaz Gallego, Estefania del Pino Fuentes, Shanara Edwards, Georgia Harwood, Julia Roch Sarmiento.

Director and Musical director-Nikki Laurence

Assistant Musical Director-Joe Louis Robinson

Lighting Operator-Toni Vidal

Production Manager-Emma Groves-Raines

Stage Manager-Stergiana Tzegka

Lighting Technician-Platon Vasatis and Ieva Ievina

Band:

Piano-Rocio Sevares

Harmonium-Nikki Laurence

Bass-Jordi Mestres

Guitar-Joan Casellas

Drums-Pinyu Martí

Violin-Ariadna Torner

Viola- Joe Louis Robinson

Cello-Carmen Enjamio

The Institute of the Arts Barcelona

Founded in Sitges, the Institute of the Arts Barcelona is a dynamic institute uniquely positioned to offer international performing arts higher education in Europe.

Carrer Ramon de Dalmases, 18

08870 Sitges, Spain

Tel: +34 938 949 713

Email: info@iabarcelona.es

www.iabarcelona.com

Sitges Tales 1: An Evening Conversation

It was on the walk back home to Poble Sec when I realized it was the end of the holiday weekend of St. Joan Bautista with the smell of fireworks filling the air. No more arsenals of noise pollution until the small hours of the night. Single people and families, very curiously, with children under the age of ten still strolling about as the night truly began. We had an interesting evening where our brains worked overtime contemplating a myriad of life quandaries and potential solutions; politics, societal norms, different cultural backgrounds and the element that bound us – Sitges.

Strange how we’ve found each other and more to the point, how we’ve found a commonality. The one called humanity. You see, we are not only of different cultural backgrounds, but of different generations and races. A genuine affection lives between us and we get together about once a week to discuss life and the mysteries of the universe...our gatherings are usually impromptu, which probably makes them all the more enjoyable, as we thoroughly enjoy each others company.

This warm evening started with our meeting at the playa San Sebastian sea wall and how the summer weather and its mosquitoes had eaten Juan Carlos (SQ columnist) alive the previous night. I noticed her (Gloria Gannaway, SQ assitant editor) “Obama 2008” button pinned on her blouse, and we were off! At the time, Obama had recently won the Democratic Party’s nomination to run for president of the United States this November. Historic, yes; for he is the first African-American man to advance and be as successful in a presidential race. Inevitably, President Bush and his administration came to the forefront of the conversation and how, hopefully he and Vice-President Cheney will be held accountable for the terrible state of the world; with war still raging in Iraq and the ever rising price of petrol spiraling out of control. The rippling effect on everything everywhere was astounding. All of a sudden the price of flour, in the West Indies increased exponentially and the downsizing of airlines in America was happening all over again, so soon after the 9/11 series of U.S. airline bankruptcies that followed and added to the western devastation. I digress, but this is exactly what happens when we get together. One thing leads to the next and before you know it, we have to rap things up and get home and call it “a night”.

Walking along the Carrer Major, we negotiated the narrow street and made our way to the seafront to walk along the paseo. The sand sculptures beckoning a lasting gaze as we passed familiar faces, found in a small place, all on our way for the obligatory glass of wine and pica-picar before our late Spanish meal...The focus here was our projects and motivation to devote time and effort to their cause, and generally our current frame of mind. While verbally being encouraging and supportive of each and of our said endeavours, I thought, hopefully one day we’ll look back on this time affectionately and realize, although living meagerly, how fortunate we were to live in such a place, at such a time. Most people, I’m sure, pass the time in the moment, never imagining that this moment will never be given to us again under exactly the same circumstances. Never relishing the richness of Sitgetan life of: extranjero (foreigner), Catalan and Español. Ever mingling to produce the delectable flavours of its blend and how it permeates all that is here.  

"Blanca Subur" by Ramón Moscardó

I get it. It is what has drawn me here. It is what keeps me here. Conversations such as these inspire appreciation for relocating to this, something special by the sea. A certain stability makes me feel that all will be fine as I change my focus for my life. A change in my profession at my “stage of the game” taking me out of my comfort zone. An underlying unease or stress has lived in me for the past few weeks. Just keeping my head above ground makes for a particular way of being. I can’t quite put my finger on it just yet, but hope by speaking with Gloria and JC, it might give me a different and new perspective.

JC trying to figure ways in which to establish himself as a respected psychologist here in Sitges dominates his direction, while Gloria refuses to follow the western ideology that a woman her age should retire or stay “at home” (with all that entails). I spoke of a documentary I recently viewed where the featured artist declared, “retirement is a waste of life”. My conversationalists added, “I agree”, “Why should we?” and “I don’t want to” and it seems, we never will…

Note: Ramon Moscardó does friendly paintings with a strong regional flavour of traditional exteriors, cafés and bars in Barcelona, Cadaqués and so on. Nostalgia is often found in these spaces and in their still lives.

Since 1990, he has been living in Cadaqués, although he never stops travelling in search of new impressions to transform them into sensations through his brushstrokes. Original graphic work has also been part of his creation for many years. He periodically exhibits in Barcelona and Sant Cugat.

Putting Pen To Paper

The summer is in full swing, the tourists mingle among us, and as we plan for autumn and finalize the next issue of the SQ, I am writing like a fiend! Of course, it needs to be said that I do the majority of my writing easily on my laptop, but I also do a fair amount of note taking by hand—on notepads and little bits of paper I find lying around. My notes are then transferred into digital form on my computer and further developed and transformed into articles, essays or poems, yes—poems!

Back in 2012 as I prepared to take some photos for the premiere issue of the SQ, I thought, wouldn’t it be great to have an old fountain pen in some of the shots for my editorial page? Well, what I didn’t know was the difficulty I’d have in trying to purchase one. I remembered how easy it was, back in the 70s, to have a selection of relatively inexpensive options; and now, I had to visit three stores just to see if they sold more than one.

We start writing, beginning with printing the alphabet and then move on to cursive writing or script. Amusingly, I remember in the U.S. being allowed to use pencil or pen for my schoolwork; however using an ink pen was mandatory when I attended school in Antigua, where we usually used fountain pens! And penmanship was a subject of study.

In Sitges, penmanship or “cuadrícula” usually ends around the age of 4yrs, and cursivo begins in the 5^th year. Unfortunately, around the western world, it seems this skill starts to really wane by the 11^th year when using the computer is required to complete schoolwork. This in itself is a big change, but also, the expectation is ambitious due to the assumption that every child has access to a computer, and can type, without having typewriting lessons! 

Handwriting is unique, expressive and believed to be a trademark of personality. Interestingly, the first book to describe how to analyze handwriting dates back all the way to 1611. And handwriting, believe it or not, stimulates functions of language, by actually using an alphabet or visual symbols (characters) of the sounds used in communication. And unfortunately, it appears the decline in physical writing by hand has a correlation to ones ability to decipher handwriting.

Commercial typewriting in the 1800s started to change things and made it easy to leave calligraphy as an art of the past, and it can be said the universal usage of the telephone (created in the late 1870s) also had an enormous impact on letter writing. 

Today we consume volumes of the written word via numerous web pages, eBooks, and posts on social media platforms albeit reduced to texting or using sms (short message service), emails and of course, tweeting… 

There is however, some good in these new shorter forms of expression using new technologies—remember the quick postings on Twitter and other social networks which created momentum for social uprisings in Tunisia and Cairo? And the effective #Black Twitter, a cultural identity on the social network focused on issues of interest to the black community, particularly in the United States during this tumultuous time. These postings are consumed, and actually bring about social change. 

The writing of letters by hand, one of the most personal of human acts, sadly is dying. But I hope we never lose the art of penmanship, a sometimes very beautiful expression of our uniqueness. Remember how wonderful it was to receive personal correspondence through the post?

Receiving emails somehow just doesn’t come close to feeling the pages of a hand written letter from a loved one.

For more interesting information go to:

http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-history.html

On Media

Besides the major daily newspapers, El País, La Vanguardia and El Periódico, our own L'Eco de Sitges is a main source of news and information in Sitges.

New in this arena, online entities VisitSitges.com and SitgesActui.com are the most comprehensive sources of local information about Sitges today, not to mention, Sitges.cat and Sitgestur.com

Again, although one can find information about Sitges online and at the library, you'd be hard pressed to find important facts and detailed historic events of this fascinating town accessible in English.

Of course, there are many Sitges-centric facebook pages and all sorts of related websites, but almost all are underserved and underdeveloped, including the SQ website. (We hope to remedy this soon!) 

This blog is also an attempt to help address this inadequacy and to give readers leads to other sources in print and online.

In addition to this lack of information, something that's always troubled me in media the world over is its almost total coverage of the negative aspects of humanity and life.

The constant barrage of negative images and news–homicides, political corruption, international crises, war, global warming and other weather disasters—is enough to make you not get out of bed every morning.

I remember watching the morning news on television one day, sipping my coffee and watching footage of a woman being executed in the Middle East; all because she allegedly had an extramarital affair...good morning to me! It image is forever etched on my brain...

Who says negative events are what people remember more or are moved emotionally more than by positive happenings? Look at Facebook, Instagram and the rest of what people post and share on social media. It doesn’t seem to be all doom and gloom to me; there seems to be lot’s of captured good times, food, pets, kids and smiles all ‘round.

This is a reality we consciously tackle at the SQ. And we choose to not contribute to this daily negativity. 

On our pages, not having the luxury of unlimited space, the subjects chosen to include in each issue are based on our readers’ ability to relate to the given topic, to its relevance to Sitges, and its contextual reach in terms of the world at large (the trilingual format also ensures our reach is maximized!).

And while we cover personal stories and events giving an overall view of Sitges, when we cover a negative event, we try to present a positive perspective or suggest solutions to our readers. 

In our opinion, what’s the purpose of only writing an article of what’s going wrong in our town, when we have the opportunity to potentially be part of a solution? 

The GSL-Vision 2 Editorial

Identity

The Second GSL-Visión Magazine Cover

It seems 2014, for me, had more than the continued quest for equal rights. It had a strong theme of identity pervading most aspects of life. 

This year, I observed more

men (gay and straight) leisurely pushing their children in strollers, and people quite strongly asserting what it means for them to be Catalan.

What does it mean to be Catalan? What does it mean to be Spanish? What does it mean to be gay? And what exactly does it mean to be straight, male or female? Especially as it isn’t a choice that anyone makes to be any of these things.

The answer to all of these questions is elusive, and very personal. 

Transgender too, was all the rage… its curious how the U.S.A., a country which struggles for a federal stance on LGBT equality, ironically is the place where these issues are provided a platform of visibility in the two television series, Orange is the New Black and Transparent, making visible a part of the LGBT community today hardly seen.


The discussion has finally come to light!

We also shed light closer to home in Italy where it is still seemingly impossible for people to legally share their lives with a same-sex partner.

These questions overtly imply that we all seem to go through life day to day, with a need to express our individuality and sometimes define it. Well for those who continue to try to figure out the needs, desires and attractions that we have for one another—good luck!

We at the GSL embrace all, all of us in this microcosm we call Sitges...

The Sitges DC (Distrito Cultural) Blog Interview

“And beyond Sitges...

The projection of 

The Sitges Quarterly Magazine  makes it possible”

Going through my files I came across this interview from March 2012 and felt it to be as true today as it was three years ago when I created the SQ. I have posted it here because originally it was only available in Spanish and now, through this blog it can be shared to an even wider audience… and, I’m also happy to say the enthusiasm conveyed in the interview for the magazine, its readers and for Sitges still lives in me!

Q & A with Cheyenne Crump

Cheyenne Crump is the editor of The Sitges Quarterly magazine; much more than a magazine about Sitges. It’s a place in which to reflect on the cultural dynamics of business here and of the people, their traditions and their daily lives, the summer effect on the town and the quiet of its corners...The Sitges Quarterly is a firm and clear commitment to promote our profile beyond its borders, bringing Sitges to other environs from a fan, with a cool, refreshing perspective...

It is that Cheyenne has a Sitgetano soul, and this soul has been able to put it in print, a move that certainly deserves our support.

The internationalization of Sitges, our projection abroad may be one aspect that requires more attention to our future—considering our strengths, our knowledge, development, our ability to generate wealth, and connectivity...The Sitges Quarterly magazine can be understood today as a model of action of which we must not lose sight. From Sitges DC, we applaud the importance of this initiative and we congratulate Cheyenne Crump whom I have the pleasure of interviewing at this time.

Sitges DC Blog: What is The Sitges Quarterly and how was it born? How has this idea thrived?

CC: The idea for The Sitges Quarterly magazine was born one day as I walked along the Paseo Maritimo admiring (yet again) the beauty of Sitges and I thought - what could possibly make it a better place? It occurred to me that I knew quite a bit about the town’s history, but lacked in knowledge of day-to-day, current events. Yes, this information is readily available to many people however, nothing was easily accessible for visitors and residents new to Sitges.

Consequently, I thought a local magazine could be a good idea if written in the 3 most widely spoken languages in Sitges, broadening its reach; and when discussing the concept with friends, they all agreed and wished a magazine like that existed. 

Sitges DC Blog: What are the basic objectives of The Sitges Quarterly?

CC: The mission of The Sitges Quarterly is to be an interesting source of information pertaining to contemporary Sitges in Catalan, English and Spanish. We endeavour to inform the diverse population of Sitges and visitors of the town’s history, its present and how it is positioning itself for the future.

We are also committed to using environmentally responsible materials to produce a magazine with beautiful, tasteful graphic design and visually arresting images; featuring a quarterly calendar of events, regular columns, wide-ranging essays, interviews and profiles.

Sitges DC Blog: What is the function of the magazine?

CC: This question, I think refers to the vision we have for the magazine.

Its purpose:

to promote awareness of Sitges life and how we live.

to present a deeper profile of Sitges that can also be used as a guide.

to celebrate the diversity in Sitges and the Catalan culture that we share.

to promote the values of community, cooperation and respect.

to open doors for innovation aimed at environmentally sustainable, healthy living.

Sitges DC Blog: How much of the culture and traditions of Sitges do you think is known beyond our territorial borders?

CC: That’s difficult to answer, Sitges is a relatively known resort town. I believe this aspect of Sitges relates to not only those of us who have come from abroad and made a home here, but also predominately to those Sitgetanos who have moved away, whether to somewhere else in Catalunya, Spain or elsewhere in the world. If Sitges is in your blood (however it got there!), there would be a natural interest in what happens here. And I think the magazine appeals to that interest… I think it can also appeal to tourists who come to Sitges on holiday or for business, in general, and to those who visit year after year.

Sitges DC Blog: Do you think we need a policy that encourages greater visibility of our people outside the Spanish state?

CC: That depends on the aim of the policy. For example, it could be designed to attract opportunities to diversify the local economy. Sitges has, in the past, manufactured shoes, automobile parts and even, spinning reels for fishing rods (carretes) and it would be better economically for us not to be solely dependant on tourism.

Sitges DC Blog: In this sense, there is something in you beyond your role as editor ... a point of activism that seeks to intervene at will to transform, maybe boost the Sitges brand...

CC: I take that as a compliment! Thank you.

Living in a community is about assistance. Today, we use the term networking. Helping one another… as you can tell, I have a love for Sitges. I have always felt embraced here, I am proud to live here. I think it is a very unique place for several reasons, and yes, I seek every opportunity to share it with others—who knows, maybe people who visit will return home and emulate a little of what we have here. That, I think, could help shape the places in which they live, little by little making the world better.

Sitges DC Blog: What future dreams do you have for this publication?

CC: To be used. To be used as an introduction to Sitges. To be used as a guide to Sitges and to be used as a conduit or forum for open communication and for exchanging ideas.

I hope it encourages collaboration—that’s where the interest lies for me. I have the hope of learning from one another, and taking what is best in each of us, and incorporating that into our way of life. 

Sitges DC Blog: Congratulations again, Cheyenne... and the best of luck for The Sitges Quarterly magazine.

____________________

The blog, Sitges DC (Cultural District) created by Lola Cañete, is a space dedicated to culture, but from the private sector... “where I try to highlight the strong cultural dynamism that is in the people from the hand of a strong dose of creativity, innovation and talent... It is primarily a space for debate and reflection on some of the most important issues of culture and have also reflected in a town like ours”. 

www.sitgesdc.blogspot.com

lola.canete@thalasa.net