Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again If not: one thing you hope to find
I haven't been to Gorizia before, but one thing I would hope to find in the festival is a vibrant and diverse range of performances that showcase different dance styles and cultures. It would be exciting to see how artists from various backgrounds interpret and express their art through dance.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
If I could give a piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to embrace curiosity and not be afraid of making mistakes. Each experience, even the challenging ones, is an opportunity to learn and grow.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
If I had the power to change the world, I would start by empathy and kindness in our society. I would cultivate a world where every person truly sees and understands the hearts of others, where kindness flows as naturally as rivers and compassion is the common language. By fostering this deep connection, we could bridge divides, heal wounds, and create a world where love and understanding guide our actions, making every corner of the earth a place of warmth and light.
How did you first come across dance?
I first came across dance when I was a kid. I had always loved sports and spent most of my time playing and being active. But everything changed when I saw Michael Jackson perform. Watching him dance was like witnessing magic, and I was instantly captivated. He became my hero, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to dance, to move like he did and express myself through that incredible art form.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: transform
Dance is: freedom
Dance will be: eternal
What was the spark that originated the idea for your show?
The spark that originated the idea for my show came from a blend of inspiration and personal experience. It all began with Constantine Cavafy's poem "Walls," which speaks so powerfully about the barriers we build around ourselves. That poem resonated deeply with me, especially when reflecting on my own experiences with immigration. The challenges, the feeling of being enclosed, and the struggle to break free from those invisible walls all fueled the creation of my show. It's a story born from both literature and life, woven together to explore these universal themes.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your show:
You should come and see my show because it’s more than just a performance—it’s an experience that speaks to the heart. Through a powerful blend of movement, music, and storytelling, the show explores themes of isolation, connection, and the invisible barriers we all face. Inspired by Constantine Cavafy's poem "Walls" and my own journey through immigration, it’s a deeply personal work that touches on universal emotions. I believe it will resonate with you, offering not just entertainment but a chance to reflect, feel, and maybe even see the world a little differently.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
I have never been to Gorizia before. Hopefully, I’ll have the opportunity sometime in the future.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Work a little bit harder but not too much.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
I would start with Love. Selfless love when one gives it without expecting anything in return.
How did you first come across dance?
In my family it was a tradition for all (grandparents, uncles, and aunties) to meet once a month and have lunch at home. After lunch, there was a celebratory dance of Albanian folk and that was my introduction to dance. Since I remember, dance has been a part of my life.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: heal
Dance is: expression
Dance will be: pacifism
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
This piece reflects my emotional state as an artist during these challenging times in society. I felt compelled to make a statement — a promise to the world — that “We Will Never Give Up On Love.” I would say that the world around me sparked the idea.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
“We Will Never Give Up On Love” is a powerful performance, message, and a statement from both myself as the creator and the dancers. You'll experience love in all its forms—from soft and tender moments to passionate and relentless expressions. Visually, the costumes and lighting design amplify this emotional journey, starting with a vulnerable, dim light that gradually intensifies into a brilliant, powerful display, perfectly complementing the concept/idea, the choreography, and the message. The music, with its repetitive rhythms, evokes a trance-like state, drawing you deeper into the experience as the performance unfolds. So yeah, I would say come to share the love with the dancers and please never give up on love.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
We were born and raised in Friuli Venezia Giulia, so yes, very often!
And we can’t wait to see again all the staff of Artisti Associati
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Try harder, it's never enough and don't waste time. Time is all we have.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
It’s a very difficult question! I don’t think I can answer.
How did you first come across dance?
By chance, when at the age of 18 I discovered breakdancing from skateboarding... and so began my whole journey of discovery.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: everything that you allow it to be
Dance is: commitment and sacrifice
Dance will be: always a good way to lighten the soul of those who watch and perform it
I did not use only one word... but it wasn’t enough ;)
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
Poetically or practically?
Poetically, I was fascinated by the particular state of mind we have in the moment of 'waiting', of ‘expectation’.
On the practical side, however, a new commission had arrived!
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
You will see young dancers, full of enthusiasm and energy, open up to the audience by showing their dance. Nothing predetermined, nothing imposed, everything improvised and free, to the melodies created by the live music.
A captivating and exciting event.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
We've never been to Gorizia before. We hope to find good food, lots of culture and a pleasant nightlife.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Take it easy and don’t stress out too much, at any rate it will only get worse.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
Inclusion, civil rights, and freedom.
How did you first come across dance?
For both of us at a very young age in our hometowns, somewhat casually...
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: free us
Dance is: an act of expression and connection
Dance will be: of everyone
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
A tattoo on the knuckles of a friend’s hand.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
three metres for two bodies
almost a kiss
at least twice
a slow flight
the narrow space
The cold friction
closed eyes
together we search for the other
a right way
a perfect end
the most beautiful Hully Gully in the world
time is falling upon itself
actions and gestures
skilfully repeated
forgotten
in a time suspended in the taste of darkness, our bodies keep each other company for hours and images
in drops of orgasm and boredom.
the crescendo inside does not grow outside, and that outside does not survive inside while the skins glue themselves to the Persian past, ruffian
small touches and big thuds.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
Yes, I've been to Gorizia more times than I can count, especially for the Gusti di Frontiera food festival. One thing I look forward to doing again? Probably eating my weight in delicious food and pretending it's for cultural enrichment.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child what would it be?
If I could give a piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this: You are on the right track, so keep marching to the beat of your own drum. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, everyone else is already taken and boring by comparison.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
If I had the power to change the world, I would start with erasing the borders that divide us. Imagine a world where empathy rules and people see each other as humans first. Radical, I know.
How did you first come across dance?
I first came across dance inside my mother’s belly. She attended seven weddings during her pregnancy, so I guess you could say I was dancing before I even took my first breath. The rhythm and joy of those celebrations sneaked into my very being.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: transcend
Dance is: freedom
Dance will be: eternal
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
The spark for our performance ignited from the stories of real people living on the border between Yugoslavia and Italy. These narratives of resilience, conflict, and unity demanded to be brought to life through movement. It’s a poetic journey, not just a routine.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
You should come and see our performance to experience more than just steps and music. It’s an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in rhythm and movement, crafted to make you reflect on your own personal borders. Plus, where else can you find a story told with such grace and sass? Come see for yourself and discover the boundaries you didn't know you had.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
Yes, many times
And we can’t wait to perform at Visavì!!!!
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Start dancing as soon as you can, don’t be afraid!
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
With protecting the biodiversity and the different species.
How did you first come across dance?
My sister had been dancing for years and I had always been curious, then I eventually took a plunge.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: change
Dance is: seduction
Dance will be: us
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
Amanda, the salmon… Lots of discussions about ethics…? Darwin’s theory of evolution.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
Have you ever seen a scientist, a butcher, a salmon and a brood of chicks on stage???
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
No, I’ve never been before. I heard it is a crossroads of traditions, cultures and influences, given its strategic location. I am very curious to dive into its colours and scents.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Allow yourself the sun in your eyes and the soil in your little hands. Breathe in the forgotten scent of a mother's breast and the sweetness of fruit. You are enough. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
From here. From what I do with the artists of KOMOCO and different institutions abroad... Creating a space/time where people sit together. A ritual, a pause, a moment to breathe and connect.
How did you first come across dance?
Through music. By studying classical piano, I developed a great love for music and danced from a young age. As for professional dancing... Through travelling. During a year-long school experience in Canada, I discovered that dance could be my total means of expression.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: open
Dance is: everything that moves and makes move
Dance will be: the starting point and means to something else
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
Meeting the new members of Komoco after the expansion of the group. Their character brought back to reality childhood memories of one of my favourite but also feared books.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
Pupo is fire, passion, tenderness, sensuality, joy and energy. A boy as simple as wood, who encounters an evil society and plunges into the experience of life in a distant attempt to become flesh. If you want an experience that allows you to 'feel', the artists will lead you into a personal and subjective whirlwind of emotions.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
When I was still a dancer with the Aterballetto company we had a show in Gorizia. Fast forward several years, my choreography of Decisione Consapevole will be staged in October at the city theatre of Cormons, and I hope that my works will soon be performed for the audience of Gorizia, so that I can go back and see again a city of which I have such fond memories.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
I would tell him: be strong, don’t care, go on, do what you love.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
I would invite the inhabitants of a planet that is not as rotten as ours to visit our schools and teach our children to live in full respect of the nature in which we live in and of our fellow human beings. As if to say: at school with the aliens.
How did you first come across dance?
I loved hip hop in all its forms, the music, the dance, the outfits…. I dreamed of becoming as good as the dancers I saw in the videos of American singers or in films. In the end, I never studied hip hop, as I was immediately drawn to contemporary dance, but I owe my discovery of dance and my career to that first love.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: live
Dance is: a cure
Dance will be: eternal
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
In my performance “Decisione Consapevole”, the intention was to transform an exercise of movement in space into a choreographic work. I identified four keywords: Intimacy, Communication, Community, and Isolation which I used to create a conceptual map to guide improvisation sessions during my workshops. Then came the desire to turn everything into a performance, working with four dancers on the same four words.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
Decisione Consapevole is a pleasant, flowing show full of references to everyday life. It is suitable for audiences of all ages, the dancers are great, and the music is engaging. I believe it is a show that can really bring people together, so I recommend not to miss it.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
I've been to Gorizia many times and I look forward to seeing the beautiful Teatro Verdi again.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Not to be afraid to fail and make mistakes. Failures are part of the learning process and make us stronger.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
I’d start by promoting kindness... it doesn’t take much and it has the power to change things.
How did you first come across dance?
I came across dance when I was 10 years old, and I got mesmerized by a performance held in the city square of Barletta, my home town. I still remember it, it was “Zorba the Greek” with Raffaele Paganini. But it wasn't until I saw a VHS of Kylian's "Petit Mort" that I had my inspiration: from that moment on, I was captivated by the world of dance and began my dance studies. I started with the clear goal of becoming a choreographer.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: change us
Dance is: enchantment and nobleness
Dance will be: metamorphosis
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
As it happens with almost all my works, the starting point for the creative process of Weirdo was the analysis of a state of mind: how does it feel to live in a society that constantly pushes us to compete, to always put ourselves to the test, a society that forces us to feel that we have to measure up at all costs? The feeling of inadequacy that arises was the element I focused on, it was the starting point of a creative journey that was inspired not only by my personal experience, but also by that of the dancers.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
I believe that the best thing is not to convince the audience, but to make them aware of the power of the theatre and of the live performance. Every theatrical experience has the ability to fascinate and question... Theatre is not just a form of escapism, but it is an experience that shakes us up, it questions us, and it makes us look at the world with new eyes. Every performance, regardless of one’s personal taste, is a journey of self-discovery, an opportunity to broaden our horizons and enrich our inner selves.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
Yes, we have! We are based in Nova Gorica, and we absolutely love our borderless area. The unique interplay between the two cities—Nova Gorica and Gorizia —enriches our lives with its rich diversity, culture, and community spirit.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
We would tell our younger self to just follow and believe in our dreams. Embrace every opportunity and don’t be afraid to take risks; the journey will always be worth it.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
If we could change the world, we would start by encouraging everyone to dance. Imagine a world where conflicts are resolved not through aggression but through moments of shared joy and movement. Dance has the power to connect us all, fostering understanding and harmony instead of division and hatred.
How did you first come across dance?
We both began dancing in kindergarten. What started as a playful hobby quickly blossomed into a deep passion and a way of life for us. We feel incredibly fortunate to pursue our dreams together, not just as dance partners but also as life partners, supporting each other every step of the way.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: always surprise you.
Dance is: our way of communication.
Dance will be: our way of storytelling.
What was the spark that originated the idea for your show?
The idea for our performance, *Flights,* was inspired by the thought-provoking book of the same name by Nobel Prize-winning Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk. The themes explored in her work resonated deeply with us, and we aimed to translate that emotional depth and philosophical inquiry into a dynamic dance experience.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your show:
You should come and see our performance because it promises to be an exhilarating experience that fills you with emotions and energy. The scenery, choreography, and dancers will draw you into a world of creativity and expression. It’s a journey you won’t want to miss — a combination of visual and movement storytelling that will leave a lasting impression.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
Yes, and I was thrilled with the venues and the reception. It was my first time at a cross-border festival and it was wonderful! I look forward to seeing the festival's beautiful theatres again this year with excellent programming.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
I would start dancing as soon as possible, without being put down by the judgements of those who see dance as tied to specific genres.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
Solidarity, compassion and joy. These are the words that resonate with me. Rediscovering humanity, feeling part of something bigger and rediscovering curiosity about other people's experiences, even if they are different from your own. Dance has great power in this, it can unite people and make them laugh, it can release tensions and create new bonds.
How did you first come across dance?
Since I was a child I always wanted to dance, but my family did not support my desire. When I was 16, I saw Pedro Almodovar's 'Talk to Her' and the opening scene was a reprise of the beginning of Pina Bausch's 'Café Müller'. I was sitting on the couch with my mother and when I saw Pina moving, I had a flash of inspiration. I felt a strong pull towards this art form.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: unite
Dance is: joy
Dance will be: celebration!
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
I worked and experimented alone in the room and the materials emerged like little islands in a big sea. I seemed to connect with parts of me that wanted to express themselves and speak. There was something very old that wanted to make room for itself and so I let it emerge.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
Colours and rhythms, words and irony, this show is a carousel of dances and creatures that appear and disappear. A small celebration of life and its journey in which we will dive together!
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
No, we have never been to Gorizia. Being a city located within an urban area divided by a border between two nations, we envision a culturally rich and fascinating landscape. For our work, stories and realities of areas that straddle geographical borders often serve as a great source of inspiration.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
"Each shoe a walk, each walk a different conception of the world." Quote from Nanni Moretti - Bianca
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
We would start with slowing the pace down.
How did you first come across dance?
Around the age of 17, nearing the end of our high school years but still caught up in the storms of adolescence, we both found ourselves in the gym of the art school we attended. There, a contemporary dance course was being held by Ketty Russo and Francesca Bonci, amazing dancers from Lucia Latour's company. That’s how we discovered our interest in thinking of movement as an additional expressive language.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: seduce
Dance is: rhythm
Dance will be: human
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
In All’arme, we started from the kinetic and choreographic specificity of the military march, reflecting on how its expressive and persuasive qualities are shaped in relation to a display of strength. Elements such as synchrony, the ostentation of verticality, and the homogeneity of the group express an order perceived by our senses as pleasantly harmonious, thus capable of attracting attention and approval, making it dangerously persuasive.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
To reflect on the dangers of martial persuasion through an aesthetic, kinetic experience.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If not: one thing you hope to find
I hope to share and exchange our journey and performance with the people of Gorizia and local artists… To find warmth and hospitality with open minds.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
I would tell myself to always keep the child that I was inside of me. Don’t lose the purity, the belief and the trust in human beings, the belief in eternity, in timelessness.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
I would start in the heads of people. … War and Evil will not exist…
How did you first come across dance?
From a very early age, I was a hyper active child with too much energy. In kindergarten the teachers suggested to my mother to sign me up in a dance school so that I could focus my energy better.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: heal.
Dance is: life.
Dance will be: eternal
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
The words of Walter Benjamin at the beginning of one of his most famous texts in “On the concept of history”: “There is a painting by Paul Klee called “Angelus Novus”. It depicts an angel who looks as if he is about to move away from something he is staring at. Its eyes are open, its mouth is open and it wings are spread.”
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
Because it concerns human beings and our Conditio Humana…
The angel of history must look like this. He has turned his face to the past. Where a chain of events appears before us, he sees a single catastrophe that incessantly piles rubble upon rubble and hurls it at his feet. He would like to linger, wake the dead and piece together what has been shattered. But a storm blows from paradise, which has caught in his wings and is so strong that the angel can no longer close them. This storm drives him inexorably into the future, to which he turns his back, while the pile of ruins before him grows towards the sky. What we call progress is this storm.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
Yes, I was in Gorizia on 1st September 2023 for the In/Visible Cities Festival, with Compagnia TPO’s show +ERBA at the Teatro Verdi. I can’t wait to go back and have some time to visit the city and its historical centre at my own pace.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Enjoy moments with family and friends to the fullest because they are important, live in the present, and approach life as lightly as in a game.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
I would start with kindness towards every being that is part of this world and care for the environment of the planet we live on.
How did you first come across dance?
When I was four, my mother took me to my first ballet class and from then on I have never wanted to stop. As I grew older, I also began to explore many other dance styles and I still continue to study different types and methods of this endless world called dance.
It is an unstoppable passion!
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: unite
Dance is: a universal expressive language
Dance will be: a way to know ourselves more deeply and care for ourselves and others
What was the spark that originated the idea for your performance?
Melodia is a performance resulting from a collaboration between the TPO Company and the Salon Stolz Museum in Graz, Austria. Starting with the biography of Austrian musician Robert Stolz, we decided to embark on a journey into the world of music. The works of Robert Stolz and the adventures of his life were a great source of inspiration for the whole team.
And now, tell me why I should come and see your performance:
Participating in Melodia is like taking a journey into the world of music, you will be transported along with the other audience members onto the stage with us dancers for an immersive experience, and music will be the thread running through this adventure.
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
I’ve been taking part in this event for several years now, and the first thing I am definitely looking forward to is seeing the festival staff again. I can’t wait to get back on stage to meet the artists and the young people that are participating in its manifold events, including my workshop.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Don’t ever be too sad because you are disappointed, everything flows, so keep going on!
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
By never stop believing and nourishing its strength!
How did you first come across dance?
In a very natural way, because movement has always played a big role in my family, my mother was a dancer and my father has always been an art-loving sportsman!
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: cross over
Dance is: life
Dance will be: forever
What was the spark that originated the idea for your latest project?
To create my latest work, a full-length performance, I thought deeply about the theme of WATER in all its most intimate connections with life.
And now, tell me why I should come and participate in your workshop
Let me ask you a question... Why shouldn't you come if you like the theatre, movement... and dance??? We are waiting for you!
Have you been to Gorizia before?
If yes: one thing you look forward to doing again
If not: one thing you hope to find
Silvia: Yes, I can’t wait to have a stroll around the city.
Andrea: Yes, I look forward to tasting a nice glass of local white wine ;)
If you could give a piece of advice to yourself as a child, what would it be?
Silvia: dance freely around the world.
Andrea: Always be curious and do what makes you happy without worrying about other people’s opinions.
If you had the power to change the world you live in, what would you start with?
Silvia: I'd abolish nuclear weapons.
Andrea: I’d get rid of wealth and poverty.
How did you first come across dance?
Silvia: When I was a child, in the village where I used to spend my holidays, we all danced together with the orchestra at the local summer festival. It was there that I took my first steps in the world of dance and discovered the value of being part of a community.
Andrea: thanks to my best friend who convinced me to start practicing it.
Complete the sentences with only one word:
Dance can: Silvia: unite in diversity - Andrea: build relations
Dance is: Silvia: complicity - Andrea: a very serious game
Dance will be: Silvia: freedom - Andrea: revolution
What was the spark that originated the idea for your latest project?
Silvia and Andrea: the motivation that drives people to go beyond their limits, even when this is not permitted.
And now, tell me why I should come and participate in your workshop:
Would you like to feel free and discover the pleasure of movement? We will explore together what makes us want to dance and the pleasure that derives from it by physically experiencing some of the practices developed during the creative process of "Amateur Smugglers". We look forward to seeing you!
In partnership with:
SNG Teatro Nazionale Sloveno di Nova Gorica
With the support of:
Ministero della Cultura / Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia / Io sono FVG
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Gorizia
In collaboration with:
Comune di Gorizia / Comune di Cormons / Comune di Gradisca d’Isonzo / ERPAC / APT / Ente Regionale Teatrale del FVG / Fondazione Palazzo Coronini Cronberg onlus
Goriški Muzej / Confcommercio Imprese per l'Italia Gorizia
Kulturni Dom Gorica / Kulturni Center Lojze Bratuž
Palazzo del Cinema-Hiša Filma di Gorizia / PAN ADRIA network / TIARE Shopping