Residency of Catarina Casqueiro & Tiago Coelho, hosted by Quinzena de Dança de Almada in partnership with Šibenik Dance Festival, Dance Festival Malta, INTERPLAY Festival, MasDanza - The International Contemporary Dance Festival of the Canary Islands & Aerowaves Festival in Sofia
@Catarina Casqueiro & Tiago Coelho
August 2024
The EFFEA Residency Forget Me Not by choreographers Catarina Casqueiro & Tiago Coelho brings together international creatives, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences across European dance communities and contexts. 'Forget Me Not' explores the relationship between body and mind, focusing on memory acquisition and loss — a paramount and hot topic in the contemporary debate among dance artists and academics. It is inspired by 'The Caretaker' by musician Leyland Kirby.
The work developed by the duo is enriched with input from recognised artists who explore the same themes: dance, body and memory. They also collaborate with academics and local communities that attend and participate in the partner festivals. These contributions happen during the residencies and through online meetings with the participation of all involved organisations. Different residencies will occur at the lead festival Quinzena de Dança de Almada- International Dance Festival (Portugal) and partner festivals Šibenik Dance Festival (Croatia), Aerowaves Festival (Bulgaria), MasDanza - The International Contemporary Dance Festival of the Canary Islands (Spain), Dance Festival Malta (Malta), and INTERPLAY Festival (Italy).
The project is a continuation of previous works by the choreographers. Residencies provide opportunities to fulfil their needs for internationalisation and engagement with other realities. Working in different contexts, with professionals open and willing to debate the topic of their creation, will advance their research, opening new horizons. The possibility of working in different physical spaces (residencies), being in contact with various artistic and research approaches and receiving feedback from professionals they encounter will enrich and substantiate their investigation towards the final creation. Additionally, the potential for networking with peers and programmers will maximise opportunities for future collaborations and invitations.
@Inês Araújo
October 2024
In the second and third weeks of October, a big impulse was given during Quinzena de Dança de Almada, with extensive involvement from choreographers, audiences, new dancers, the production team, and international professionals attending the festival.
To kick off this project phase, Catarina and Tiago presented their work-in-progress at the International Platform for Choreographers, attracting not only the general audience but also their peers and a notable number of guest programmers and directors from other companies and festivals. Sharing sessions were organised to facilitate potential exchanges.
Furthermore, their residence continued with the expansion of the work alongside 11 local dancers, culminating in another presentation of their progress to the local audience at the festival's conclusion, followed by a conversation with the audience. The outcomes of this residency were both impressive and inspiring for the dancers and the whole audience. More information.
@Raquel Medeiros
Next steps
The project will continue in Sofia, Bulgaria, with another residency in the Derida Dance Centre.