conversations in ten (+two) questions 27 : Pierre Larauza & Emmanuelle Vincent (t.r.a.n.s.i.t.s.c.a.p.e)

In this series of interviews we try to get to know the artists who were the artists of İstanbul Fringe Festival 2021 - Hybrid. Our first guests are Pierre Larauza & Emmanuelle Vincent from t.r.a.n.s.i.t.s.c.a.p.e. 

Ayse Draz, Art Unlimited Performing Arts Editor & Mehmet Kerem Ozel, Writer 

[The Turkish translation of this interview is published on art.unlimited]

What is the essence of performance in your opinion?

The living, the live, the relationship of a body with an audience.

Do you believe in the transformative power of art? How?

Art does not transform reality, it helps to see it differently. In this sense, yes, art transforms the public's point of view.

How do you think that this pandemic which humanity is facing at a global scale today will transform performing arts in the future?

The pandemic has already transformed our relationship with space and with each other. Living art is affected by this and will undoubtedly become more and more valuable in an increasingly virtual world.

How is the performing arts scene in your country handling/dealing with the challenging conditions posed by the pandemic?

Belgium did not escape the health restrictions, with venues and festivals closed. Each artist reacted differently, some taking the opportunity to reconnect with themselves in their intimacy, others proposing alternatives to the public performance before Covid. For t.r.a.n.s.i.t.s.c.a.p.e, we were lucky enough to be able to use several of our scenographic devices that allow us to respect the sanitary rules (inflatable bubbles for the performance Urban Distortions, caravan for the performance Chambre(s) d'Hôtel...).

Are there any artist whom you can describe as "my master", or any person whom you think influenced your art most? And if there is such an artist or person, who?

We have never been specifically in line with any one person or school of thought. Our work is inherently plural and inspired in many ways, far beyond the art and figures of contemporary dance. We are deeply inspired by the observation of reality.

When you are working on a piece, what sources inspire you? Do dreams play a role in your works?

The inspiration is often the real world around us and the people we observe. Dreams may be a source of inspiration, but we don't consciously work within that dynamic.

When do you decide to give a title to a work you are working on if it already does not have one?

Naming a work of art is an exciting and difficult exercise. We work in pairs, one inspiring the other. When both are satisfied, the title is found! We usually name the project at the beginning.

As an interdisciplinary artist, what new perspectives do you think interdisciplinary production in arts provide to artists?

The interdisciplinary approach has become the norm in art today, linking artistic disciplines together. Our relationship to intermediality is to question one art form through the exploration of another. Thus, in Mutante, we created the choreography by acting as sculptors.

As an artist who often works in a site-specific context, what is the essence of a site-specific piece for you?

Site-specific is an exciting concept where the place of performance is part of the narrative of the performance. However, a theatre stage is also a place full of symbols and connotations; in this sense, performing on stage is also a kind of site-specific. Moreover, our creations are different depending on whether they are presented on stage, in the street, in a museum... When technically possible, we make a whole series of adaptations according to the context and place where we are.

What does ‘fringe’ signify for you?

The beauty of this notion is that it is polymorphic, fluid, at the frontiers of multiple definitions. Fringe is the embodiment of the edge, the alternative, the risk.

Why did you decide to participate in the Istanbul Fringe festival particularly with this work of yours? If you had to translate this work into a single sentence, what would that sentence be?

We are very inspired by intercultural encounters. By proposing the Mutante performance, the challenge is to share a fragment of Vietnam with the Istanbul audience, beyond clichés and stereotypes. Mutante can be seen as an aesthetic and engaged spectatorial experience. Mutant is a living sculpture of movement.

What does it mean for you to be physically encountering the audience within the Istanbul Fringe Festival?  

Having experienced virtual participation last year, coming to perform physically in Istanbul is a consecration for us. We are very happy and excited.