Thursday 17 October 2024, 9.30 P.M.
GORIZIA, “GIUSEPPE VERDI” CITY THEATRE
National Premiere
Blenard Azizaj
Area Jeune Ballet (CH)
Choreography and dramaturgy: Blenard Azizaj
With: 14 dancers
Rehearsal Director: Fernanda Diniz
Music: Stavros Gasparatos
Lighting design: William Ballerio
Costumes: Marion Schmidt
Artistic residencies: Dance Area (CH)
Duration: 30 min
Photo credit: Gregory Batardon
Walls by Albanian choreographer Blenard Azizaj explores the powerful symbolism of barriers, invoking emotions of fear, exclusion, and longing. Through the lens of Constantine P. Kavafy's words, "With no consideration, no pity, no shame, they have built walls around me, thick and high. And now I sit here feeling hopeless.", it questions humanity's tendency to erect physical and metaphorical walls, urging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of what lies beyond. Humankind's collective memory seems determined to maintain the physical barriers it has built, in order to maintain a distance between its constituents. This piece questions the way people perceive what's happening on the other side of the wall.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again If not: one thing you hope to find
I haven't been to Gorizia before, but one thing I would hope to find in the festival is a vibrant and diverse range of performances that showcase different dance styles and cultures. It would be exciting to see how artists from various backgrounds interpret and express their art through dance.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
If I could give a piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to embrace curiosity and not be afraid of making mistakes. Each experience, even the challenging ones, is an opportunity to learn and grow.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
If I had the power to change the world, I would start by empathy and kindness in our society. I would cultivate a world where every person truly sees and understands the hearts of others, where kindness flows as naturally as rivers and compassion is the common language. By fostering this deep connection, we could bridge divides, heal wounds, and create a world where love and understanding guide our actions, making every corner of the earth a place of warmth and light.
How did you first come across dance?
I first came across dance when I was a kid. I had always loved sports and spent most of my time playing and being active. But everything changed when I saw Michael Jackson perform. Watching him dance was like witnessing magic, and I was instantly captivated. He became my hero, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to dance, to move like he did and express myself through that incredible art form.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: transform
Dance is: freedom
Dance will be: eternal
What was the spark that originated the idea for your show?
The spark that originated the idea for my show came from a blend of inspiration and personal experience. It all began with Constantine Cavafy's poem "Walls," which speaks so powerfully about the barriers we build around ourselves. That poem resonated deeply with me, especially when reflecting on my own experiences with immigration. The challenges, the feeling of being enclosed, and the struggle to break free from those invisible walls all fueled the creation of my show. It's a story born from both literature and life, woven together to explore these universal themes.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your show:
You should come and see my show because it’s more than just a performance—it’s an experience that speaks to the heart. Through a powerful blend of movement, music, and storytelling, the show explores themes of isolation, connection, and the invisible barriers we all face. Inspired by Constantine Cavafy's poem "Walls" and my own journey through immigration, it’s a deeply personal work that touches on universal emotions. I believe it will resonate with you, offering not just entertainment but a chance to reflect, feel, and maybe even see the world a little differently.
National Premiere
Erion Kruja
Area Jeune Ballet (CH)
Choreography and dramaturgy: Erion Kruja
With: 20 dancers
Rehearsal Director: Fernanda Diniz
Music: Chase & Status, Erion Kruja
Lighting design: Louis Choisy, Erion Kruja
Costumes: Julie Delieutraz, Erion Kruja
Artistic residencies: Dance Area (CH)
Duration: 30 min
Photo credit: Gregory Batardon
Directed by Albanian choreographer Erion Kruja, former dancer of the Hofesh Shechter Company, We will never give up on love takes us on a journey through the extremes of love, where dancers embody a new generation of love fighters determined to overcome obstacles for a future filled with love and hope. This work is an explosive and relentless test of the dancers' physical endurance. Love is a powerful force that can overcome the greatest obstacles. In a world filled with turmoil and chaos, it’s more important than ever to hold onto love. This creation is a journey through the various extremes of love, from simple, gentle, and kind love to challenging love. In the choreographer’s own words: “I believe it is worth fighting for love to exist in this world. Without love, all that remains for us is destruction and despair. So, let’s fight for love.”
Area Jeune Ballet, Genève (CH), brings together 20 young dancers from diverse backgrounds, including Switzerland, Italy, France, Portugal, Australia, Brazil, Russia, Spain, and Mexico. The company serves as a bridge between academic learning (Dance Area) and the dance profession, allowing young trainees to perform on European stages, thus acquainting them with their future career. Through these stage experiences and the established network of choreographers, AJB significantly facilitates professional integration.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
I have never been to Gorizia before. Hopefully, I’ll have the opportunity sometime in the future.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Work a little bit harder but not too much.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
I would start with Love. Selfless love when one gives it without expecting anything in return.
How did you first come across dance?
In my family it was a tradition for all (grandparents, uncles, and aunties) to meet once a month and have lunch at home. After lunch, there was a celebratory dance of Albanian folk and that was my introduction to dance. Since I remember, dance has been a part of my life.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: heal
Dance is: expression
Dance will be: pacifism
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
This piece reflects my emotional state as an artist during these challenging times in society. I felt compelled to make a statement — a promise to the world — that “We Will Never Give Up On Love.” I would say that the world around me sparked the idea.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
“We Will Never Give Up On Love” is a powerful performance, message, and a statement from both myself as the creator and the dancers. You'll experience love in all its forms—from soft and tender moments to passionate and relentless expressions. Visually, the costumes and lighting design amplify this emotional journey, starting with a vulnerable, dim light that gradually intensifies into a brilliant, powerful display, perfectly complementing the concept/idea, the choreography, and the message. The music, with its repetitive rhythms, evokes a trance-like state, drawing you deeper into the experience as the performance unfolds. So yeah, I would say come to share the love with the dancers and please never give up on love.
In partnership with:
SNG Teatro Nazionale Sloveno di Nova Gorica
With the support of:
Ministero della Cultura / Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia / Io sono FVG
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Gorizia
In collaboration with:
Comune di Gorizia / Comune di Cormons / Comune di Gradisca d’Isonzo / ERPAC / APT / Ente Regionale Teatrale del FVG / Fondazione Palazzo Coronini Cronberg onlus
Goriški Muzej / Confcommercio Imprese per l'Italia Gorizia
Kulturni Dom Gorica / Kulturni Center Lojze Bratuž
Palazzo del Cinema-Hiša Filma di Gorizia / PAN ADRIA network / TIARE Shopping