𝑺𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊, 𝑫𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊, 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊 𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒊
Propitiatory rites for the Venice Carnival.
With the aim of recreating the healthy atmosphere of the past in which the carnival, a regenerating era par excellence, was born from below, thanks to the infinite creativity of the people, the newborn group "We are the place" made up of artists, artisans, dancers, acrobats and poets, of all ages and conditions, thought of giving life to a spectacular masquerade to take back a real role and space in contrast with the virtual carnivals to which unfortunately an endless pandemic forces us. It is precisely the case to bring shamans, doctors and saints to the field to exorcise this evil that has brought the city to its knees, emptying shops, businesses and throwing a city once so prosperous as to be called the Serenissima into social and economic chaos. The playful action, improvised between campi and campielli, just wants to awaken Venetian consciences and rediscover that desire to be together beyond the times dictated by the programs and institutions. The new plague is also this: the one that prevents sociability which, however, can find space for outdoor living, while complying with the health regulations in force. Isn't it the mask that protects us and others from future infections? So let's free creativity and take back this city to rediscover together the deepest meaning of the carnival in the name of the mask and its ancient tradition.
The itinerant masquerade was born from an idea of the historian Danilo Reato and the mascarer Gualtiero Dall'Osto and also involves Alex Campagner of the Maison du theater as Arlecchino, the dancer and choreographer Grazia la Naia as Shaman Fish, Louis Philippe Fernandes as Covidviello, Julia Júlia Nunes Cordeiro and Emma Lazaro as Plague Doctor, Umberto Gavardina as Doctor Purgon, Gaia Dall'Osto as Venice and Tobia Hermes Dall'Osto as Shaman. The performances crossed some calli and campielli of the city and the short performances took place naturally always in compliance with the anti-covid regulations in force without creating any form of dangerous gathering.
Photographs, montages and videos were made by Marie Blondeau, Alberico Bortolin, Alvise Bagagiolo Laure Jacquemin, Daniele Nalesso, Martine Raibaldi i and Giorgio Zabeo.
Text by Danilo Reato