Open workshops in Porto Alegre promote art as a tool for human development

Throughout the first half of 2023, a series of workshops will take place for those who wish to get in touch with the practice of performing arts in the Capital. Most projects are open to beginners or people who seek art as a tool for human development. “Anyone who wants to relate better with the world and open their sensory channels, expanding the field of cosmovision, communication and feedback, can attend a theater workshop”, observes actor and director Renato Del Campão. Between April 11th and May 23rd (on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm) he ministers to Workshop of the Oppressed – Technique Theater of the Oppressed Augusto Boal, which will have 12 meetings at the space La Photo/ Via Trastevere (Travessa da Paz, 44, Farroupilha neighborhood). Applications can be made via WhatsApp (51) 984782991, for a fee of R$ 350.00 per person.

“We will mount a transgression of the play Mister Puntila and His Servant Mattiwritten in 1940 by Bertolt Brecht”, adds Del Campão. The chosen text presents a clash between boss and employee, “which reveals a see-saw relationship in the oppressor X oppressed style, where the former

attracts to then mistreat (like any relationship of abuse)”, highlights the director. “It’s a fable about capitalism, where the narcissistic landowner treats his driver (who becomes a “handyman”) as if he were a punching bag .”

Inspired by Boal’s forum theater, Del Campão explains that the method taught by the former consists of creating an environment where people, not necessarily actors, tell stories they have experienced, so that others can change the course of the plot, so that the oppressed “win” the oppressor. According to the director and lecturer of the workshop, the adaptation of Brecht’s text should focus on the relationship between the two main characters. “The proposal will be to transform the conflict with the participants experiencing the two characters: experiencing the speech of the oppressor and the speech of the oppressed, with different registers”, he adds.

Del Campão considers that, despite being based on Boal’s methodology, the workshop that will take place at La Photo will not seek the result of forum theater, but rather will use the technique to direct improvisations during the creative process. “We will also work with masks, where only the eyes and mouths are outside, and, in addition to the lines on the scene, we will have recordings of the voices of the actors”. At the end of the 12 meetings, the students will present the montage on June 7th, within the Espaçonave Project (by Cia.Teatrofídico) at Bar Oeste.

Another theater-oriented activity will be given by actress and director Kalisy Cabeda, on March 25th and 26th (Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 2pm to 6pm), at Espaço Cerco Cultural (Rua Riachuelo 579, Downtown). Designed exclusively for women, the workshop will focus on the body, expression and body awareness exercises, dance and theatrical games, where participants will be invited to take a personal dive and reflect on the feminine that lives in each one.

Next, the lecturer will propose the opening of a dialogue between the individual experiences of the workshop participants, in addition to the development of a creative work on the creative power of women. Women interested and vaccinated against Covid-19, from 18 years old, with or without artistic experience, can participate. The value of the workshop, entitled She: Performing Experience for Women, is BRL 200.00 (until March 20th, and BRL 230.00 after that date), with a 50% discount for black, indigenous, trans women and single mothers. The registration form can be requested via whatsapp (51) 992929717.

In the area of ​​dance, the Escola e Companhia de Flamenco Del Puerto returns to regular classes, which take place at the Casa de Cultura Plauto Cruz (av. Venâncio Aires, 67, Cidade Baixa neighborhood). Monthly fees cost between R$ 215.00 and R$ 275.00 depending on the modality chosen (initiation, technique – levels 1 and 2 -, castanel – levels 1 and 2; intermediate and advanced intermediate). “Those who are interested can take a free trial class, at any of the available times during the week”, highlights dancer and flamenco teacher Juliana Prestes.

This Saturday (11), she will also teach a Master Class on Ballet Structure, Presence and Communication, within the project Tap Dancing Without Borders, idealized by Juliana and tap dancers from various dance languages. On the same day, there is also a practical Escobilha class, which will continue on Sunday (12). In this case, Juliana will be partnered with flamenco guitarist Giovani Capeletti. The project runs through the month of March, with classes taught by other tap dancers: in addition to flamenco, those interested (who must have some experience) can get in touch with the universe of chula (Marcelo Veri), malambo (Valentim Cruz) and tepe (Leonardo Dias). The workshops of tap dancing without borders they all take place at Tanguera Estúdio de Danza (Comendador Coruja, 380, Floresta neighborhood). Registration is free and can be done via Instagram, on the project page.

Still in the area of ​​dance, the performer and multi-artist Isadora Franco will hold workshop meetings Dancing Softly, Moving Immensely, on March 14th and 28th, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, in Sala Marcos Barreto at Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana (Rua dos Andradas, 736, Historic Center). “The idea is to share a taste of the movement principles that I have been structuring over the years and that guide my artistic-pedagogical research in dance”, explains Isadora. She adds that the idea is for participants to experience the body and movement through somatic education practices, improvisation and composition in dance. The activity is free and intended for anyone interested, with or without dance experience. Registration can be made by Whatsapp (51) 999353431.

Seeking to offer a unique experience through games and basic scenic games, basic clown tools and techniques, circus actor Rafael de Moura will teach this Friday (10) the workshop Introduction to Clowning, which takes place from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at Circo Híbrido (Rua José do Patrocinio, 280, Cidade Baixa). Aimed at adults aged 16 and over, interested in experiencing the art of clowning or deepening their knowledge in this technique, the workshop aims to stimulate creativity, focus, attention, communication and a state of presence, essential characteristics for working as a clown.

According to publicity material, the content includes awakening the comic body, principles and practices of improvisation and basic clowning techniques. Entries can be made through the official website of Circo Híbrido.