40 min indoor solo
PA(i)YSAGE(n)S is a variation on the Chinese pole.
In three tableaux, João Paulo Santos drifts and explores his equipment and the scenic elements to tell the story of time passing through landscapes. He uses the Chinese pole as we know it. The small pole, a mobile, free fragment, reverses the relationship between body and object. The rotating pole creates a perpetual horizontal movement, exploring another form of “lightness”.
PA(i)YSAGE(n)S – teaser
In a set recreating a natural landscape, João, like a pilgrim, embarks on a sensory and visual odyssey. “A bamboo forest… I wake up. The first rays of sun on my face. The breeze is gradually picking up. The bamboos dance softly and take me with them.
Exhilarated… I walk and think.
Round the bend, the river. I approach, observe my reflection in the clear water, dip my hand, my body.
I swim… clinging to this branch suspended above the water to fly… like a bird.
In the distance I can hear the bell tower. It’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon…
At the top of the building, I gaze out over the village square, listening to the locals tell stories of the place…It’s 7pm.As the sun goes down, I feel fulfilled.” In this new creation, João Paulo Santos continues to develop his work with the same determination that characterises him. After the vertical journey he proposed in his last creation, Une partie de soi, his route continues, taking us along new paths to discover new landscapes. Contemplate, let time do its work. As a worker of the body par excellence, João strives to continue the singular writing of a practice that takes into account the passage of time and the constraints it produces on the body in movement.
Note of intent
I wanted to take my time, to dwell on the simplest details to make them resonate and develop them. The idea is to continue to develop my practice and a style of writing that focuses on detail and the poetry of the body as it experiences the passage of time. It was in an extract from Walk About the Villages by Peter Handke that I found the echo of what I was feeling…
Play along. Threatens work even more. Don’t be the main character. Seek confrontation. But don’t have any intentions. Avoid hidden agendas. Don’t keep it to yourself. Be gentle and strong. Be clever, intervene and despise victory. Don’t observe, don’t examine, but stay alert for signs. Be shaky. Show your eyes, draw others into what is deep, take care of the space and consider everyone in their own image. Only decide with enthusiasm. Fail with tranquillity. Above all, take your time and take detours. Let yourself be distracted. Put yourself on leave, so to speak. Don’t ignore the voice of any tree or water. Go where you like and soak up the sun. Forget your family, give strength to strangers, look at the details, go where there’s no one, don’t care about the drama of fate, disdain misfortune, soothe the conflict with your laughter. Put on your colours, be in your right, and let the sound of the leaves become sweet. Walk about the villages, I’ll follow you.
Research work
Two new elements to explore: the “small pole” and the “rotating pole”. These elements are derived from the Chinese pole, offering very different possibilities for interaction. The « small pole » is mobile. The movement it induces in the body through its trajectory creates new spaces. The body takes another, more choreographic route. The « rotating pole » adds lightness, in a constant circular movement. It suspends time and creates images of great poetry, inviting contemplation.
Sound creation
In PA(i)YSAGE(n)S, sound is an integral part of the show. Like a film soundtrack, it supports and enhances the set design elements. Tiago Cerqueira, musician and long-time collaborator, accompanies João in his research.
Cast
Writing and performance João Paulo Santos Sound creation Tiago Cerqueira Artistic and dramaturgical support Elsa Caillat Production Laurine François et Chloé Jolly, O Último Momento
Partners
Supports Teatro Aveireinse, Aveiro (PT), Cineteatro Alba, Albergaria-a-Velha (PT), Residency support Centro Cultural da Malaposta, Minutos Redondos e Câmara Municipal de Odivelas (PT)
© photos Joana Magalhães, Tiago Cerveira