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a window on the world A Renaissance estate near Florence is the impressive backdrop for a new performing arts centre directed by the internationally acclaimed - and Cardiff-based - director Firenza Guidi. Il Frantoio, a converted olive press, will be host to a constantly evolving programme spanning different art forms, from film to stage design. It opens on December 11th, 2004 (9.30am - 11.30am). Supporters from the Fucecchio and Florentine local authorities will be joining artists from Wales and Italy to mark a new chapter in the work created by Firenza and her company ELAN. “The emphasis is very much on collaboration and experimentation, a chance to draw together the different networks ELAN has established across the world, as well as to provide openings for new collaborators,” explains Firenza. Performance, theatre, film, music, video, creative writing, installations and stage design will all feature in forthcoming programmes, including performances of Firenza’s Corriente Alterna, based on her recent experience directing a large-scale performance montage in a Cuban cigar factory. A significant development is the support of these networks with European Union funding, enabling ELAN Wales and Sir Gar College to collaborate on training and performance initiatives drawing together practitioners in Iceland, Germany, France, and Italy. “As a director working across continents, I’ve come to feel that by establishing a place of creativity such as Il Frantoio artists from all disciplines will have access to a resource that has little in the way of boundaries or preconceptions governing its remit,” adds Firenza. “For the last ten years, I have been working in Fucecchio running an International Summer School and associated projects and this centre for performative arts is very much inspired by a city and its architecture and the kinds of relationships you can establish unhindered by borders, or language.” For the opening ceremony, Firenza will be working with with a group of selected costume designers on an installation based around the work of the female Renaissance painter Artemisa Gentilleschi, including Sian Jenkins from Cardiff who has recently worked with Michael Bogdanov and with the National Youth Theatre of Wales. There will also be a presentation of the centre’s first major publication: Firenza Guidi - A Theatre Without A Stage. For further information, pictures, interviews, please contact Penny Simpson on 08713 091880 |
| ELAN Wales web site: |
| Penny Simpson e-mail: penny.simpson@ukonline.co.uk |
Wednesday, December 1, 2004 |
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