conversations in ten questions 79: Alexandros Stavropoulos

What is the essence of performance in your opinion?

The essence of dance and art, in my opinion, lies in their remarkable ability to unite people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Regardless of the challenges that may arise, art and dance persist, consistently propelling society forward. It’s striking to observe how even in times of adversity, such as natural disasters, floods, and fires, the world can be filled with turmoil, yet artists continue to create and inspire. This enduring spirit of artistic expression has transcended generations. A poignant example of this is how, during World War II from 1940 to 1945, Walt Disney released beloved films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Dumbo, and Bambi in Europe. This unwavering passion and dedication to our craft deeply moves me. To me, the essence of dance is encapsulated within this resilience and unwavering love for what we do. 

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

Absolutely, I firmly believe in the transformative power of art. Art possesses the remarkable ability to transcend boundaries, spark dialogue, and ignite profound emotions within individuals and communities. It has the potential to challenge perspectives, inspire change, and bring about a deeper understanding of the human experience. Through its diverse forms, art can shape perceptions, foster empathy, and offer a means of expression that resonates with people on a deeply personal level, ultimately contributing to the enrichment and transformation of society as a whole. 

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

When I’m working on a piece, my main sources of inspiration come from my childhood memories and imagination. That was a time in my life when dreams played a big role. That’s why, in my first two works, I aimed to connect with a younger audience, particularly children and teenagers. 

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

In the process of choreographing a piece, the title is often the last thing I consider. Sometimes, I might even decide on the title just before the final rehearsal. In the case of On Wednesdays we Wear Pink though, the title came first, and everything else fell into place. This title was inspired by a beloved American teenage movie, Mean Girls. It features a quote that’s both humorous and thought-provoking, allowing for various interpretations at the same time.

Are there any artist or person whom you think influenced your art most? And if there is such an artist or person, who?

The world of animation, particularly the works of Walt Disney, has been a major influence on my art. Additionally, the pop culture of the 90s and 00s has played a significant role in shaping my creative perspective.

When you consider the current state of the world in every sense, what is the most important and urgent issue for you as an artist?

At this time, I haven’t taken a specific stance on any particular pressing global issue as an artist.

As with 2021's Cinderella's in Istanbul and now On Wednesdays We Wear Pink, your work explores representations of femininity in popular culture; which narratives in particular do you deconstruct in On Wednesdays We Wear Pink? 

Both On Wednesdays We Wear Pink and Cinderella's, which we presented at the fringe festival in 2021, place women at the heart of their narratives. They share a world characterized by monochromatic settings, one defined by signature blue and the other by signature pink. These works delve into important aspects of femininity but do so in a manner that's both ambiguous and infused with humor and color. This approach makes them more accessible to a broader audience, including those who may not be well-versed in the art of dance. As a result, they resonate with a diverse range of viewers in terms of age and background.

If you had to translate On Wednesdays We Wear Pink into a single sentence, what would that sentence be?

Feminity seeks to open up small fissures within established identities – cracks of freedom.

What does ‘Fringe’ signify for you? What would you like to say to the Istanbul fringe audience?

The Istanbul fringe festival holds special significance for me as it allows me to engage with a different audience, one with a distinct culture and history when it comes to women. When I first presented my play, Cinderella's, here, I was apprehensive about how it would be received, given the sensitive nature of female sexuality. However, after the show, I received numerous messages of gratitude from girls who felt empowered by the performance. It was an incredibly moving experience. I hope "On Wednesdays we Wear Pink" can also resonate with and inspire the audience here in Istanbul.

[The Turkish version of this interview was published in unlimited.]