Brandhaarden 2020
From 28 January till 8 February Internationaal Theater Amsterdam is the centre of the Brandhaarden festival. The 9th edition is about South Europe. You will discover the versatility, splendour, depth, and individuality of the various artists from Portugal, Greece, Italy and Spain. Countries with their own history and traditions. What they have in common is the pressure on societies due to political unrest, serious economic problems and refugee flows. In the theatre our programmers found a complexity and beauty for which there is no place in the political discourse. They discovered performances which have something to say about their (and our) society. With pleaure we invite you to come and see these beautiful productions.
Brandhaarden: Southern Europe
When the banking crisis plunged Europe into economic malaise in 2008, every country was affected, some more than others. The biggest casualties were in the south. There was a tremendous gap between northern and southern Europe. It was 'us' (who had things in order) versus 'them' (who had to be saved with our money). Suddenly, the finger was pointed at an entire region: Southern Europe. But can you lump all those countries together?
This question stayed with us as we travelled across the stages and festivals in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. If even Dutch and Flemish theatre clearly differ from each other (and many will say the national character does, as well), how can you lump together countries like Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal? It certainly doesn't do justice to the versatility, splendour, depth, and individuality of the various artists from these countries.
In the theatre, we saw the many faces of Southern Europe. There were differences and similarities. We looked at old traditions with new eyes. We found a complexity and beauty for which there is no place in the political discourse, but which could enrich the European project so much. Not that the performances were all about politics. On the contrary: they were about people, people who live in today's world.
We decided to invite some of these creators to Brandhaarden and let their work speak for itself. Because they make top quality theatre and dance, and because they have something to say about the value of culture. But also so we, together with you, can discover what the theatre says about their (and our) society. So we can figure out how well we know our European neighbours, in the great hope that we will all be surprised, inspired, our thoughts provoked, and occasionally misled. Maybe then, starting in the theatre, we can close the gap.
PROGRAMMA
(B)RANDPROGRAMMA
We offer you the opportunity to discover more about the performances in the ITA Salon (on the ground floor). In this (B)randprogramma you can find Warming-ups and after talks. Free entrance and feel free to bring in your drinks.
WARMING-UPS
The warming-up is like an introduction on the performances combined with a short interview. Dramaturg Maarten Bos talks with guests who have more to tell about the political, social or philosophical context the work. Language: Dutch
Tue 28 JAN 19:00 – 19:45 Warming-up 1
We look forward on this edition of the festival. And we talk with independent financial - and economics expert and journalist Bert Bakker about the South Europe compared to North Europe. Bert Bakker did write the book Onbegrepen Europa (Europe Misunderstood) about his reserach on the different mentalities whithin in the continent.
Wed 29 JAN 18:30 – 19:15 warming-up 2
We talk about the music of the performance Gran Bolero. This world famous composition with roots in the Spanish tradition. Special guest of this warming-up is choreographer Emio Greco. He created several choreographies on Ravels Bolero.
Th 30 JAN 19:00 – 19:45 warming-up 3
Sopro gaat over het leven achter de schermen in het theater. Het is een hommage aan het beroep van souffleur. We praten met een souffleur over dit zeldzame, vrijwel uitgestorven beroep.
Sa 1 FEB 19:00 – 19:45 warming-up 4
Anonymo is een herontdekking van de kracht van beweging in het leggen van connecties met elkaar. Vanuit Grieks traditionele dansvormen wordt het belang van fysieke rituelen en tradities kenbaar gemaakt. Met een deskundige spreken we verder over immaterieel erfgoed en de waarde van fysieke rituelen en tradities.
Tue 4 FEB 19:00 – 19:45 warming-up 5
El conde de Torrefiel beschouwt in La plaza het podium als plein: een publieke plaats die in contact staat met de toekomst. In deze warming-up praten we over unieke betekenis en functie pleinen in de stad en maatschappij.
Wed 5 FEB 19:00 – 19:45 warming-up 6
Deze warming up is gewijd aan het collectief El conde de Torrefiel. Het collectief is gevestigd in Barcelona. Samen met een Spanje-kenner kijken we naar het kunstklimaat in deze regio. In welke context wordt kunst gemaakt in Spanje en in welke mate verschilt het kunstklimaat van Nederland?
Fri 7 FEB 19:00 – 19:45 warming-up 7
Het werk van de Italiaanse Pippo Delbono is onvermijdelijk beïnvloed door de Commedia Dell’arte. Samen met Katrien van Beurden (artistiek leider van Theatre Hotel Courage) praten we over deze theatervorm.
Sa 8 FEB 18:30 – 19:15 warming-up 8
MARGEM is gebaseerd op het boek Captains of the Sands (1937) - een portret van de kinderen en tieners die overleven in de straten van São Salvador da Bahia - en duikt in de wereld van de 'captains of the sands' van vandaag, de jonge mensen die in de marge leven. In dit gesprek kijken we naar de ‘captain of the sands’ in ons eigen land. Wie zijn deze jongeren, hoe ziet hun leven eruit en hoe geven we op een juiste manier aandacht aan hen?
AFTER TALKS
(Language: English)
29 JAN 20:40 Pleinfoyer Jesús Rubio Gamo en / of dansers
30 JAN 22:00 - ITA Salon Tiago Rodrigues en/of spelers
1 FEB 21:15 - ITA Salon Tzeni Argyriou en /of dansers
5 FEB 21:40 - ITA Salon El Conde de Torrefiel en/of spelers
7 FEB 21:30 - ITA Salon Pippo Delbono en/of spelers
8 FEB 21:00 - PLeinfoyer Victor Hugo Pontes en /of dansers
voertaal is Engels