Carlos is a young artist that works in the theatrical and educational fields. During COVID period, he had a new theatrical experience: one in which artists go to the audience instead of the opposite. He told us more about this unusual adventure in an interview, which you can check below:
What is your name, age and artistic training?
Carlos Vieira, 23 years old, Theater and Education.
What was the State of Exception project? Who was involved? How did it come to be?
The State of Exception was created in 2020 by Leirena (Company of Theater based in Leiria, Portugal) with the direction of Frédéric da Cruz Pires.
In a first moment it was about musicians, actors and dancers trying to entertain an audience that couldn’t leave home. The artists performed on the streets for people to watch from their windows or balconies.
In the second version, in 2021, there was already a script that celebrated the victory of the Portuguese in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. As an actor, I only participated in the 2021 version.
What was the audience’s response?
The public reacted very positively as we presented a form of entertainment that brought a lot of joy and lightness to them in a time when the topic that dominated everyone’s lives was Covid-19.
How does this project differ from other projects you’ve been involved in? How was that experience for you?
The project is very different in the sense that we are very close to the audience and we are the ones who meet the audience. In this way it was possible to keep the cultural activity going despite the people not being able to leave their homes. For me, it was incredible since it was the first project I did as a professional actor and it had a very human objective.
Was there any partnership involved?
In 2020 there we’ve counted on the logistic and financial support of the Leiria’s municipality and in 2021 the municipality of Porto de Mós supported us.
What message would you leave for young artists who are starting their careers now?
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, don’t be afraid to hear or say the word no.
- Always claim your rights and be friends with your fellow artists.
- Always drive at 200km/h on each project.
Contacts:
Artist´s name: Carlos Vieira
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/carolitos_/
