Ákri, the first solo show by the circus artist Manel Rosés, gets its name from one of the two Greek words that are the origin of the word acrobatics. Ákri means “edge” or “threshold”, so acrobatics literally means something like “going along the edge’ or “walking along the threshold”. And this is what Manel Rosés does when he explores the limits of his discipline to reflect on change and transformation. A 22-step staircase occupies centre stage as simultaneously the set and the circus equipment. It is a symbolic element that, as a working instrument, alludes to the profession of the circus artist and, as a place of passage, references transformation or change, the act of going from one place to another. A door complements the concept of threshold and creates three spaces in the scene: an interior, an exterior and an in-between space. All three co-exist in a show with a prominent physical and acrobatic component, which nonetheless also uses theatre work and clowning techniques, in addition to text and words. In the shifting set design afforded by the staircase, which is divided into two sections, lighting and sound play a key role in a piece that highlights the main character's emotional journey.
It is a show by Manel Rosés Moretó, a Barcelona-based acrobat trained at the School of dance and circus of Stockholm (DOCH) whose work is based on the body and play and whose shows examine fundamentally human questions. He views circus as an art that can reach audiences of all backgrounds, ages and social classes, and he makes this possible with simple, direct shows. He has created his own shows and worked with companies such as Les Ofèlies (Desdèmona, seen at the Grec), the Companyia de Circ “eia” (inTarsi) and Cirque du Soleil (Escalada).
Produced by Manel Rosés Moretó.
Co-produced by: El Canal de Salt
Creative assistance: La Central del Circ, Danseu Festival Les Piles, Can Grau - Cardant Cultura, Teatre L’Artesà del Prat de Llobregat, Roca Umbert - Fàbrica de les Arts de Granollers, Ateneu Popular de Nou Barris, La Cascade - Pôle National des Arts du Cirque.
This performance is included in the Fundació Miró admission ticket.
Original idea: Manel Rosés Moretó Acrobat on-stage: Manel Rosés Moretó Sound and light technician and sound space creation: Diego Rada Antoñanzas Musical composition and sound space: Lluís Casahuga, Enric Bartumeu Outside perspective: Roberto Magro, Joan Català Set design and props: Ulli Ullrich Lighting design and lighting technician: Luis Portillo Vallet Artistic partners: Stefano D’Argenio, Fabrizio Gianini, Gina Vila Bruch, Marta Monistrol Costumes: Eli Meoz
Photography: Marta Garcia Cardellach, Clara Pedrol Distribution: Mònica Gené (Monica de Gira)
