The show Gesto Político, by Lucía Nacht, will take place on the eve of Portugal’s snap parliamentary elections — a curious coincidence that adds extra resonance to the event.
Created and directed by Argentinian choreographer, dancer and audiovisual producer Lucía Nacht, the piece is a fully interactive performance in which the audience is invited to reflect, organise and act in response to various situations inspired by democratic processes experienced in everyday life.
Members of the public will help shape the outcome of the performance. "This project aims to explore themes of politics and micro-politics by encouraging the audience to play an active role in the performance, thereby highlighting concepts such as representative and direct democracy, voting, grassroots organisation and community," explains Keissy Carvelli.
The artist and mediator explains that the aim is not so much to convey a message, but rather to stimulate thought and encourage reflection on society and how it is organised. The performance also addresses urgent contemporary issues relating to the current period of political instability and democratic transition.
Organised by the Linha de Fuga Cultural Association, the show is part of the Theatre and Performing Arts Cycle – Mimesis. It will take place on 17 May at 9.30 pm at Teatrão.
The artist views participation in Mimesis as a valuable opportunity to promote the work of local artists, build bridges between local and international creators, and connect with the Coimbra audience by providing high-quality performances at affordable prices.
Find out more about the 6th edition of Mimesis – the Theatre and Performing Arts Cycle of the University of Coimbra here.
Performance: Gesto Político [Political Gesture] by Lucía Nacht
Organised by: Linha de Fuga Cultural Association
Venue: OMT – Teatrão
Gesto Político [Political Gesture] is a participatory performance by Argentinian artist Lucía Nacht in which the audience becomes the driving force behind the creative process. It invites us to imagine alternative futures in the present. Multiple identities come together to form a collective body, exploring new ways of living together as a political gesture. What kind of world do we want to live in? What would we like to change? How do we organise ourselves?
"During our time together, we will explore exercises in democratic participation, collective decision-making, and shared visions of utopia and possibility".
Ages 14+ recommended.