“Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight.”
William Shakespeare,
Othello
DESDEMONA
ALBA SARRAUTE Y LES OFÉLIES
Production photography for Desdemona by Alba Sarraute y Les Ofélies.
Contemporary circus show. Festival El Grec, Barcelona 2020.
DESDEMONA
The collaboration with Alba Sarraute started in early 2018, when the multidisciplinary artist called me up to create the visuals of her solo show “Variations of Othello”. Besides the animations that played on the backdrop, I also was in charge of producing the promo of the show (watch it here ).
Out of the “Variations”, “Desdemona” was born. Not a solo show anymore, but a choral piece where circus, dance and music all merge together to tell the story of the lost love of Desdemona and Othello, that becomes the Story of All Lost Love.
Being part of the creative process of the Othello since the early stages, I felt like a part of me too was in the show. For this reason I rejoiced when Alba asked me to take care of the visual communication of “Desdemona”.
On one fine morning I met Alba, Anna and Berta Pascual, Martí Soler, Laura Martí and Tomeu Amer on a small beach by the harbour of Mataró. Working with such inspiring artists is just a blessing. In a couple of hours we shot the photos that I now so gladly share with you.
Next we’ll shoot the video promo of the show at Mercat des Les Flors in Barna and I’ll share insights on my Stories on Facebook and Instagram, so make sure to follow me there and not miss any of them!
EL GREC FESTIVAL
A classic of Shakespeare returns to the stage seen through the eyes of its female protagonist. You have never seen Othello like this.
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on.”
William Shakespeare.
Othello, Act 3 Scene 3.
Surely you remember the story: a man married to a woman who loves him hears the bad advice of a false friend and ends up in extreme mistrust of fatal consequences. Shakespeare told us about jealousy in a piece that you will have seen in the theater and in the cinema, but that you have hardly had in the language of the circus.
But never taint my love.”
William Shakespeare.
Othello, Act 4 Scene 2.
Berta Pascual is Desdemona.
Alba Sarraute does it, giving the show the name of the female protagonist and bringing up a troupe of great artists. An anonymous choir and acrobats will introduce you, with their human towers, to the story.
And I loved her that she did pity them.”
William Shakespeare.
Othello, Act 1 Scene 3.
Martí Soler and Anna Pascual are Othello and Desdemona.
Desdemona is the Sun and Othello the Moon. And both will use the hand-to-hand technique and some more to tell you how, despite loving each other, they have not been able to unite because of the fear instigated by a Jago who devises evil plans perched on a balance ladder.
William Shakespeare.
Othello, Act 2 Scene 3.
Tomeu Amer is Iago.
A love affair told from the stunts or the well-known episode of the stolen handkerchief from Desdemona narrated with magic tricks are some of the proposals of the show. Can you imagine a more powerful and accurate way to express jealousy than with a knife throwing number?
I have lost the immortal part of myself
and what remains is bestial.”
William Shakespeare.
Othello, Act 2 Scene 3.
Manel Rosés is Cassio.
It is pure Shakespeare, yes, but, at the same time, it is circus of the good kind. The ladder, the Cyr wheel, the clown techniques …
For daws to peck at. I am not what I am.”
William Shakespeare.
Othello, Act 1 Scene 1.
Alba Sarraute is El Viajero.
Sing willow, willow, willow.”
William Shakespeare.
Othello, Act 4 Scene 3.
Berta and Anna Pascual are Desdemona.
Of one that loved not wisely but too well.”
William Shakespeare.
Othello, Act 5 Scene 2.
Martí Soler is Othello.
