Open Studio: Carolina Varela at Espaço Alkantara
a invenção do descanso
- 30.05 2025
- Espaço Alkantara
- 19H00
Which bodies can withstand the workings of the city/machine?
What threat does the simple act of resting pose to the current system?
When rest is allowed, the cogs of production begin to slow; questions arise, and the status quo is called into question.
Does the system make space for the kind of reflection rest invites?
Can rest be a revolutionary act?
a invenção do descanso (the invention of rest) reflects on the significance of rest in the midst of contemporary life's relentless pace. The performance explores rest as a political practice, delving into its multiple layers and consequences, as well as the impact of its absence. Blending diverse artistic languages, the piece interrogates what it means to reclaim time and space for rest within the framework of the existing system.
From 19 to 31 May, Carolina Varela will be in residency at Espaço Alkantara for her new creation, a invenção do descanso. On 30 May, at 6.30pm, you can join us at Espaço Alkantara for an open studio session.
Credits
Artistic direction and interpretation Carolina Varela Interpretation Lukanu Mpassi Creative support Cire Ndiaye Staging assistance Inês Vaz Dramaturgy support Melissa Rodrigues Costumes and set design Eloísa d'Ascensão Composition/lyrics support As Docinhas (Cire Ndiaye and Lee), Xullaji, Luís Perdiz Electronics and sound design Xullaji Video and cultural mediation Aissa Seidi Artwork Sara Fonseca da Graça Video support Tiago Moura Light design Ricardo Pimentel
In collaboration with Associação Africandé and the collective Bazofo & Dentuzona With the support of POR:TA Association, Sekoia - Artes Performativas, OSSO, Bota
Carolina Varela was born in Coimbra in 1992. In 2013, she began studying jazz at the Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa. In 2016, she joined the band Rosa Mimosa y Sus Mariposas as a vocalist and keyboardist, remaining with the group until 2025. The following year, she joined the cast of Ensaio para uma cartografia by Mónica Calle, performing as an actress. This project, in which she worked until 2023, was staged at venues such as Teatro Nacional D. Maria II, Festival Mirada (São Paulo), Utrecht Spring, Points Communs (Paris), and Zürcher Theater Spektakel...