The Anarchist in Me

For this months’ post, I highlight a short film made by the assistant editor of the Sitges Quarterly magazine, Gloria Gannaway. Although uploaded on YouTube roughly two months ago, it is a very interesting proposition in light of the political situations in Spain, Britain, the European Union and in the United States.

Of course, any government of a “western” country uses a system of governance (democracy, communism etc.), and employs an economic system based on the main ones taught in school being, capitalism or socialism just to name a few. One such ideology missing from my education was Anarchism.

Anarchism is the belief in the abolition of all government and the organization of society on a voluntary, cooperative basis without recourse to force or compulsion.

It wasn’t until I saw “The Anarchist in Me”, when I realized what a philosophy or movement it was. The film presents many personal perspectives and ideas people have and incorporate into their way of living.

According to Gannaway—“The Anarchist in Me” is a thirty-minute documentary about the Bound Together Anarchist Collective Bookstore and annual San Francisco Anarchist Book Fair in San Francisco, California. It takes a look at anarchism today in the U.S. through interviews with people of diverse age and background who are involved in the bookstore or the book fair. They talk about the importance of the bookstore and the book fair, what anarchism means to them, and why they call themselves anarchists.

The Bound Together Bookstore

Given the misleading stereotypes of anarchists disseminated by the media and the general lack of knowledge about or interest in anarchism in the U.S., this short film can serve as an introduction for people by listening to a variety of anarchists speak briefly and simply about their own ideas and personal objectives.

A common response among those who have seen the film is that it has made them interested in anarchism and made them want to learn more. It was surprising to some in that the ideas of anarchism are so familiar to them, and not so far removed from what they themselves think.

Bound Together: The Anarchist in Me

Where we are today, politically…

In Sitges last May (2015), Miquel Forns was re-elected to serve another term running until 2019. He has formed a new coalition municipal government for the legislative period 2015-2019, overseeing social policies, economic development, culture and sovereignty consisting of five regidores (councilors) from his party, Convergència i Unió; Sitges en Positiu, Capgirem Sitges and ERC have three regidores each, Nou Horitzó has two regidores, while Sitges Grup Independent and the PP each have one.

The Caramelles de Sitges

Yesterday I witnessed an event and learned something new about Sitges.

As I worked at my computer, I heard rather loud music emanating from next door. And although this occurs periodically, this particular afternoon it seemed louder than normal; so I investigated… I followed the music and out on my terraza. And it turned out, instead of coming from next door, I looked down on carrer de l’Estalvi and discovered a group of people singing, accompanied by a band.

What was the occasion I asked myself? And remembered it was the end of Easter week, known here as Semana Santa.

What I observed were the Caramelles de Sitges, Catalan songs sung by a group of men to announce the start of Easter and the end of Holy Week. It is a tradition celebrated around the Catalan region. Yesterday, being Easter Monday (el Dilluns de Pasqua / Lunes de Pascua), different groups of singers from around town begin their tour of song on the evening of Holy Saturday (el Dissabte de Glòria / Sábado de Gloria) and sing again all day, today.

A Barretina

It should be noted that the first performance is held at the Town Hall (Ajuntament) before going further a field. 

A group of men wearing the typical cap—la barretina*, go from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, and house to house offering a repertoire of songs. These performances are sung to women in the Spring or today, lyrics can be dedicated to Sitges. They are always sung in Catalan.

The group always carries a very long pole with a basket which is decorated with ribbons, bells and carnations. This is used to reach the balconies of houses and apartments in order to collect gifts of food. Historically, Caramellaires would visit houses to proclaim the Good News of the Resurrection of Christ and in exchange for the news, people would give the singers eggs, sausages and other foods, which indicated that Lent was over. There is evidence that the tradition here dates back to the seventeenth century, although it was different to today. Over the years it has lost some of the religious aspects and the lyrics gradually have included different themes.

One of the most difficult times for the tradition was at the outbreak of the Civil War and the early post-war years. It was a time when music didn’t fill the air and caramelles almost disappeared. But they were recovered in 1941 thanks to a group of young Sitgetans, and former caramellaires active before the war, who got the permit to return to publically sing caramelles. Remember, Franco banned the Catalan language and as a result, caramelles were included in his edict.

Time marches on and in recent years a welcomed evolution in the tradition has occurred—some groups in Sitges have accepted women. So at this time of year, walk around town and hear the music now sung for and by all—the tradition lives on…

Here is a performance posted by Monica Gallardo last Saturday, March 26^th, 2016:

Caramella played by les Caramelles Sitgetanes.

Lyrics and music by Jordi Benet Centaur Pañella.

*Note: A barretina, no longer used in everyday life, is still considered a Catalan symbol and used in traditional fiestas of cultural identity, such as in Sardana dance or by figures seen in nativity scenes.

The book, Les Caramelles de Sitges by Albert Soler Marcé

Published by Grups d'Estudis Sitgetans in Catalan

Well Done!!

Well Done!!

A few days ago I received an email from the staff at Issuu congratulating me (with a warm, “Well Done!) that the third issue of the Sitges Quarterly magazine I uploaded last year was chosen to be included in their Stack categorized under “Sitges”.

third issue of the Sitges Quarterly magazine 

Included in the stack are publications such as The Sitges Flyer, The Sitges Annual, Vacation Rental Travels magazine* and the Agencia de Promoció Turisme de Sitges’ multilingual promotional booklets.

 Issuu (issuu.com) is a free electronic publishing platform for magazines, catalogs, newspapers and more. As a digital newsstand with over 21 million publications and 85 million active readers, it features leading and emerging titles in fashion, culture, arts, and local content, all of which are accessible on any device. 

“From giants of the publishing industry to art-school graduates seeking a first job, issuu gives anyone with digitally bound content the ability to upload and distribute their publications worldwide”.

Sitges Annual 2014/ 2015

Their Stacks are an easy way for readers to discover content in one place. It's similar to a bookshelf in that a user who clicks on that Stack will be able to see many publications, usually categorized by date and subject. The “Sitges” stack is comprised of 27 publications related to our beloved town. [Unlisted publications that are added by members are only viewable to them, the publisher, and not all readers]

September / October 2015 Issue

We are honoured to have been chosen to be included among these other publishers and also very happy that the Sitges Quarterly magazine will now reach the Issuu membership and an even greater global readership.

*Note:

Vacation Rental Travels Magazine covers the best, most unique, quirky, beautiful, amenities-laden homes for rent to vacationers. “Whether you’ve found the joys of staying in a home yourself or are new to the concept- this magazine will delight and surprise you with visually evocative photos of homes and destinations, as well as practical advice you can use to plan your own escape”.

See the September/October 2015 issue of the magazine:

www.vacationrentaltravels.com/2015-09/VRT-2015-09.pdf

Read the article written about Sitges: “Spellbound by Sitges” on page 15.

Sitges Tales 2: A Wonderful, Windy Winters Day

Sitges Tales 2: A Wonderful, Windy Winters Day

Have you ever wandered aimlessly along the paseo in Sitges? 

Today (January 16th) time is of no essence and the Manteros (with their counterfeit products) are out in full force trying desperately to coax euros out of the pockets of the many people taking in the relentless sun as they stroll.

Couples of all kinds, kids, families, dog-walkers and elders with whiskers share the windy promenade, the temperature - a brisk 12°C. All living life, enjoying the experience of the free time they possess.

I choose this activity because I have the luxury of sight, sound and smell to relish the fresh air, sand and sea before I attend a showing at El Prado of "Steve Jobs” (the film starring Michael Fassbender) with SQ columnist, Juan Carlos and SQ assistant editor, Gloria Gannaway.

Visit www.cineclubsitges.com

It is a successful initiative of the CineClub Sitges which brings a wide variety of international films offered in it's original version with subtitles in castellano. Every week a new film graces one of our screens, the other being at the El Retiro. Both are venues for the SITGES – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalunya.

Going off on a tangent for a moment, I admit the film was brilliantly written and acted yet can't believe a real, highly functional human being with a team of albeit fractured friendships, can be 98% flawed and 2% - sympathetic and remorseful… For me, that doesn't compute. Of course my companions for the evening, contemplated my comments and added theirs to the discussion about the film as we drank our "despues pelicular” (after film) beverages.

We moved on in topics of conversation and verbally sauntered to the small Catholic chapel (Església de les Religioses de la Immaculada Concepció), the Patronat D’Asc building on Carrer De Parellades, designed by Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà and built back in 1900. 

Over many years after use as a place of prayer, the chapel was used as a civic centre - a “bingo” hall and a place where films were also screened in its garden. Following a series of lawsuits and appeals debating ownership (not to mention mismanagement), the building remains locked, and abandoned behind its legally protected façade. 

If ever the legalities are settled, development of the site might have to include façadism (or façadomy); which, in short refers to the architectural and construction practice where an existing façade of a building is incorporated into the design of a new structure or building. The often controversial practice gained strength in the 1980s when technological advances in construction made it easier and more viable.

Who knows what 2016 will bring. New happenings, new resolutions and many new conversations to be had and include in the continuing Sitges Tales... 

Note:

Buïgas i Monravà also designed the Casa Bonaventura Blay, which became the Hotel El Xalet in 1983, the Casa Severiano Virella Cassanyes (The Medium Park Hotel- 1895), Mercat Vell de Sitges (the old market, 1889) and today it is the museum, Casa Bacardi.

[See the SQ issue 3 - Made in Sitges for history on Facundo Bacardí Massó and his famous rum]

Case Bacardí
Mercat Vell de Sitges (the old market)

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.