Unless you are a musician or have studied the subject, you may not know what an idiophone is. This word, which lends its name to this show, refers to instruments that produce sound using vibration. Instead of strings, this vibration is produced using the entirety of the instrument’s body and material. Idiophones include, for example, bells, castanets, triangles, cymbals and gongs. Based on this idea, and with the intention of merging the concepts of community, material and space, Joan Català brings a performance to the Grec in which a group of spectators is chosen at random to lend a hand. Català will appear, burdened by a bundle filled with differently-sized metal tubes. This bundle functions almost as a character in and of itself and establishes a dialogue with both protagonist and spectators. Spectators and protagonist work together to construct a sound installation - fruit of the interaction between man and metal. The thirty or so tubes will eventually take life and come together to form a large marionette. Accompany him as he wonders through the space and use the thirty white ropes to help to hang and counterbalance the tubes forming the giant, until at last you see the final result: a suspended sound installation that presents a remarkable sculptural image.
This is a creation by Joan Català, an artist trained in the fine arts, circus, contemporary dance and physical theatre. He grew up in a workshop and has always had direct contact with materials. He turns the movement and interaction between human beings and elements such as iron, wood and strings into a visual performance. He did this in menar, the show he presented with Roser Tutusaus in 2016, and once again in Grec 2021 with 5.100 m/s.
A Joan Català production.
In cooperation with the support program for the creation of FiraTàrrega.
With support from: CircuswerkpIaats-Theater op de Markt, FiraTàrrega, El canal-Salt, ICEC of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Escena Poblenou, Ateliers Frappaz, L'Usine Scène Nationale.
With the collaboration of l'Animal a l'esquena, Artesorio 147, Cultura Mataró-Can Gassol, Ajuntament de Cardedeu, Convent de les Arts-Alcover, la Peixera Cardedeu.
This show is recommended for audiences aged 6 and above.
Concept, direction and interpretation: Joan Català. Dramaturgical and acting consultant: David Climent. Set: Joan Català. Sound: Joan Cot. Costume designer: Belén Eleonori, Joan Català. Special thanks to: Iván Tomasevic, Matteo Frau, Martí Soler, Rubén Martínez, Claudio Stellato, Quim Bigas, Belén Eleonori. Production and distribution: Agnés Forn, Ute Classen. Photography: Anna Fonseca, Simon Peeters
