This proposal revolves around breathing as a basic human experience between the individual and the whole, as a hinge between power and weakness, related to the emission of the voice and, referring rather to its physiological explanation, as a hinge between movement and stillness; "Our first and last breath marks the beginning and the end of life. I am here, he says. Listen to me. It continues to bear witness to my efforts to exist and to communicate. The last breath is raspy, irregular, forced. Or it may be practically imperceptible. It says: I am abandoning breath, which is abandoning life. And between the first inhalation and the last exhalation the whole of life takes place, continually rising and falling, inhaling the outside and exhaling the unnecessary, taking in and letting go" (Carel 2016:128).
The performance is situated in a time, now, and in a space, the depths of a woman seeking to understand her own identity. Apnea as a risky practice, the constant relationship with the element of water, the aquatic acro movement in and out of the tank or the concept of upside down, make this performance an unconventional circus piece.
During apnea, the body activates some mechanisms to survive underwater, transmitting oxygen between cells in the most efficient way possible. The body, then, finds a way to reorganise itself, accompanied by the mind, which goes blank, distancing us from this constant acceleration of the rhythm in which we live, which has made the air unbreathable.
Maria Palma is an artist specialised in circus. A music lover, student of the Escola Massana, former synchronised swimmer and graduate in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (2012). In 2013 she started at the Rogelio Rivel Circus School in Barcelona and at the Codarts University of the Arts, Rotterdam, where she specialised in partner acrobatics and teeterboard with Raimon Mató. Together they formed Madame Gaüc; a project that lasted eight years and allowed her to develop on an artistic and human level. She has taken part in several national and international projects and is currently immersed in a new creative stage in solo format.
Co-produced by Maria Palma Borràs and Fundació Joan Brossa – Centre de les Arts Lliures. In cooperation with Espai d'Acompanyament de La Central del Circ, the FiraTàrrega creation support programme and Festival Cantilafont/Cardant Cultura.
With the support of the ICEC of the Generalitat de Catalunya and the OSIC Oficina de Suport a la Iniciativa Cultural de Catalunya.
Creation and support residencies with La Grainerie (FR), La Central del Circ (ES) i LaBau (ES), Estruch de Sabadell (ES), Teatre Llevant - Granollers (ES), Rocaumbert/CAM (ES), Invernadero (Madrid).
Show recommended for children over 8 years old.
Authorship and performing: Maria Palma Borràs. Direction and dramaturgy: Anna Pascual. Movement:Anna Calsina. Vocals: Nihan Devecioglu. Lighting design: Manoly Rubio. Sound creation: Lluís Casahuga. Musical collaboration: Clara Peya. Costumes: Anna Domingo (CajaNegra). Set: Uli Weigel, Manipulats Santiga S.L. Executive production and distribution: Clara Faura, Maria Palma. Logistic production: Manel Rosés. Video: Tristàn Pérez-Martín. Photography: Jordi Plana. Aknowledgements: Oriol Escursell, Frédéri Vernier & Sébastien Davis-VanGelder, CN Kallipolis, Clara Basiana, Joan & Sara, Bruno Valls, Jose Luís & Jordi, Didac Palma, Albert Oliveres, Fabrizio Giannini, Armando Rabanera, David Belmonte.
