Assoiffes, theater play

The theater play that I attend was pretty good actually. Assoiffes' is a nice show written by Wajdi Mouawad and edited and directed by Benoît Vermeulen.

On the stage we saw 2 actors Marie-Eve Huot and Benoît Landrythat with special skills for singing, playing music, physical theater and classical acting.
Ambient music composed and played from the main actors on experimental, (looks like) hand made instrument, with few drums and easy electronic samples was waiting for the audience to enter and sit on their places.

In the beginning when I saw the big screen like part of their scene design, the music in the background I thought it would be more performance or experimental theater then classical theater supported by the other contemporary forms.

Very soon the first start and the first dialog put us in the story. With the level of french that I know even hard to understand everything I catch the idea of the intro. Modern story, nowadays character living his „normal day life“ and secret part, alter ego connected with historycal character. Day freak in the regular life, musican, thinker..that goes very often deep inside his crazynest. Forensic antropologist reveals a strange discovery that changed his life and his beliefs. Throughout the history of Murdoch Norwegian teenager who can not stop talking, a person afflicted with a transparent vulnerability. He guides as trough the similarity of this guy and look into his own adolescence which resurfaces the ghost of a dream abandoned.

* Press

"Hungry or Assoiffes is one of those essential products that is not coming out unscathed, a kind of grand masterpiece. Why a great vintage? Because we will not soon forget the strong cry that it hears. Because Murdoch, the young rebellious teen, is one of the finest theatrical characters ever seen here. Because the staging of Benoît Vermeulen is stunning [...]. Because the staging of Raymond Marius Boucher is exceptional and that the whole talking to teens in a language that is their and comes to look into what is the revolt." Michel Bélair, Le Devoir, November 21, 2006.




A theater show in a French Quebec style, full of vitality. There is that invisible line between this two stories that are mixed in one..the story of two young mummified bodies found in the St. Lawrence and also the story of two teenagers Murdoch and Norway: in one way when they decides to tell everything or stopping to talk and more adults return to the absurdity of their behavior, the other hidden and silent, locked in their room.

Hmm, et voila, s'est tout. :D

Freeze ton Pompidou [flash-mob performance]

This is one of the few things that I attend during my stay here and I haven't still write anything. The flash-mob performance 'Freeze' happen in Metz while after the opening of the center Pompidou. The idea about this performance come from the Municipality of Metz, actually from Mr.Tomas Scuderi who invite the prim dancer from the national opera and ballet from Paris, Vincent Chaillet to lead this freeze/ performance/ flash-mob.

It start in a front of the train station in Metz - one of the central points in the city and it was planned to finish in a front of Pompidou. Separated program in 3 steps, the first warm up freeze in a front of the train station, the walk together (all in white t-shirts) using the special road made from the station to the center Pompidou and in a front of the center the ballet dancer is waiting for the crowd in frozen pose.
The municipality was expecting to see around 1000 people from the city involved in this flash-mob but on the end there were maybe around 100 people.

In basic I didn't catch the main idea for this flash-mob, it was confusing, the direction, the steps, the orders..on the end I decide to be passive observer and try to analyze the moves, the dance and the forms that the participants were doing leaded by this guy. The experimental sound start and the people try to bring wind of creativity, acting birds, animals, some physical theater moves that like choreography was nice but like whole still (for me)..even after long time, I'm still looking for the connection of the idea and the realization.

Named freeze' even that we were not frozen in one moment, pretty contemporary,a? You can check the video, anyway it was good experience. Mix of meditation trough the nature, the beginning, the learning how to fly (live) and good experimental sound. I like the music a lot.

Expo de Frederic Laurent '

Last week I saw wonderful exhibition. On the second floor in the city cultural center or some place for exhibition and different cultural events were exposed works/ paintings from Frederic Laurent.
Born 10 January 1972 in Metz he study graphics and after plastic art in the university Paul Verlaine in Metz. Nowadays he is part of atelier with more artist and they do different art courses for painting, design and art in general, also as organizing expositions an other art events.

Interesting artist/ painter that paint the regular day life living of the people in France. Friends conversations in local bars, drinking wine with deep expression on their faces. Almost you can hear what are they talking about. His works are full with humor and intelligence, portrayal of everyday life, daily work, everything becomes an excuse for stories: the streets, places, especially the people who attend them.

The noise of visitors, journalist, alternative lovers of art standing in a front of Pompidou picture the time before the center was open. There were really people who standing 10 hours in line waiting to enter inside. The concerts like inspiration, bunch of people standing around, dancing, singing, shooting photos. Every part of the painting can be one small story, but he make amazing combination, plays with the perspective, on one of the paintings he even present the secret story of the mind of one girl. Acrobats, jugglers, guitar players, vibe that inform us about the alternative way of living, without borders, limits etc.



He paint the loneliness in the eyes of his characters, you can feel the melancholy of the modern society. Depressed people drinking red wine alone in bar, waiting..













It was interesting for me to see how he make the illustration almost real. Like pictures from the newspapers informing about what's happening around. He is reflecting the society as good as the mirror do. Beautiful way of showing the pieces of our lifes.

more photos you can find [HERE]

Great exhibition!

European Voluntary Service - may I ask what that is?

European Voluntary Service (EVS) is a program that gives young people the opportunity to spend up to 12 months abroad as volunteers, helping the local community with projects in various fields. It represents Action 2 of the Youth in Action program and includes all countries in EU and Neighboring partner countries*. The volunteer can participate in activities in all kind of different fields: environment, arts and culture, activities with children, youngsters or elderly people, cultural heritage, sport and etc.


“So…what? I don’t have money to live abroad, to be volunteer and to pay my costs.”

Actually it doesn’t cost you anything (at least no money). Accommodation and costs, language courses, guidance, medical insurance and travel costs to the project country are paid for you. In addition every volunteer has pocket- and food money which amount depends on the concrete country.

“Cool, but maybe I’m too old. I’m not a teenager anymore with my 27 years of age.”

Breathe! EVS is for young people aged between 18 and 30.

“Aha. Ok. And if I like to do sport and I like to draw where and how can I find a suitable project for me?”

You can search on the web site of your National agency, or in the following database sources. There you should find short descriptions of the projects, when it starts and finishes and contacts of the host organization.

http://ec.europa.eu/youth/evs/aod/hei_en.cfm



“And when I find a project I have to contact the organization and they will take me?”

Almost. First they have to approve your candidature. It is a bit similar like when you apply for a job. Maybe they will ask you for CV and motivation letter. In case you were approved you have to find a Sending organization. Imagine – without a Sending organization you will be like a letter without post stamp.

“Ok, so I just see the list of NGO and take one and ask them to send me, ah?”

It is necessary that your sending and hosting organizations are approved. You can check this on the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/evs/aod/hei_en.cfm. In Macedonian the organization that has the accreditation to host and also to send European volunteers is Together Macedonia and here Together France.



“What about if I’m just interested in some project, but I don’t have any experiences or proper education?”

It doesn’t really matter. YOU are more important than your education! One of the main aims of this program is the non-formal education (the one that doesn’t take place in institutions like schools) and intercultural dialog, sharing values and building bridges between you, your interests and the new environment. To be honest, your project is the frame, you can draw inside it or you can spread your ideas all over. You will be supported by your hosting organization and your personal mentor to realize and express your vision and values.

“Will I be like an ordinary worker or does it depend on me how much time and when I will work on the project?”

EVS doesn’t provide extra workers for the participating organizations. This is not what it is about! But you will have some fixed working hours per week, that shouldn’t be more than 35. To be a volunteer abroad will help you to experience your identity more sharply, to acquire new knowledge, to try new things in a safe environment, to being exposed to intercultural challenges that can lead you to intercultural shock as well. Changes will be part of your life.

“It is in a way responsible.”

Yes, but first you’re responsible for yourself to clarify rather you like this kind of experiences or not so much. To help you a bit, think on those questions when you’re making your decision and you can discuss your answers with the people from your sending or hosting organization. They can help you anyway.

What does volunteering mean to you?

• Do you have enough information and clear vision what is EVS?

• Have you ever lived abroad and for how long? Did you have any international experiences before?

• Are you studying or working or doing something else? How will you combine this with EVS?

• Have you discussed this possibility with your family and friends? Do you have their support?

• Do you mind to live in a hosting family or to share a room?

“I will think of this, but maybe somebody already told about his or her experiences…”

Of course. If you need MORE~ information from first hand sources you can read some stories from EVS volunteers online. Type in google “EVS" and enJOY! otherwise don't hesitate to contact TOGETHER for more info :)

International Volunteer Day [IVD] '1o

International Volunteer Day (IVD) - (December 5) is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985.

The declared aim of this activity is to thank the volunteers for their efforts and increase public awareness on their contribution to society. The day is celebrated in majority countries of the world.

The International Volunteer Day is marked by many non-governmental organizations, including Red Cross, scouts and others. It is also marked and supported by United Nations Volunteers.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Volunteers, this is your moment. Celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2010!

IVD offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Over the years, rallies, parades, community volunteering projects, environmental awareness, free medical care and advocacy campaigns have all featured prominently on IVD.

...

_through the Online Volunteering service volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet. Every day thousands of people are volunteering, online or on-site, contributing to peace and development and working to achieve the MDGs.

Share your IVD ideas, events and resources.

from World Volunteer Web

well, I'll not share story connected with the United Nation program for volunteering or I'll not tell stories about been working in Africa and saving kids suffering from poverty, HIV/AIDS and other problems but here on this blog you can find a lot of other things that I do in Europe and are from the same character _ I do them as volunteer. Till now in my life I have had opportunity to work with different social excluded groups and this work give me motivation for pushing for more.. the #changes are here, we are the one that can make the change that we want to see in the world. I know I'm not so smart this were someone else words but for volunteering there is more then words that is needed. Ideas, free will, plan, capacity and yes motivation to make someone life better. I do my European Volunteer Service [EVS] in Together, France.

Working with Roma kids in my city is one of the things that I accept without regrets, every time. Making different activities for them and organizing events where they are the stars for me is one of the most inspiring time in my life. Also the work with kids and youngsters with different disabilities for a year in hospital as volunteer was something that change me as a personality.

Being surrounded with people who have more clear visions for the society because they already felt the negative results. Environment that we all need to create. The hours that we are free we need to use them, to make something that will make some one happy. Working with all this categories of people that have problems ia a good volunteer work that is respected or doing anything else that will raise the awareness between the people, This will be a good move for our CIVILization. Let's make good moves!

happy VolunteerS Day!

check them on facebook and if you really are a volunteer u'll like this song :)

"Volunteers" - Jefferson Airplane [Live at Woodstock 1969]

In d house with @Quatuor Ebène

In the beginning I didn't know what kind of concert I will attend. I was thinking that will be classical music, then they told me that will be jazz or classical on the end it was unique misuque played by the famous Quatuor Ebène. Chamber space and chamber music. Theater in my mind. :)

I was thinking that I'll listen classical music and on the end I was listening adapted versions of famous artists and songs. They start the concert with footprints by Wayne Shorter and in their repertoire we hear: C. Chaplin, Eden Ahbez, Nicolas Roubanis, Brad Mehldau and Jevetta Steel.
I will mention somewhere between the perfect interpretation of Beatles that made our mood even more deep into the stye of sound that they create. The composition Nothing Personal form Miles Davis was the best ever that I listen live [maybe the only one, who knows :P]. The Libertango from Astor Piazzola and the last from the list, David Holmes 7-29-04 the Day Of, part from B.O. Ocean's Twelve were amazing. They change the atmosphere in the audience, on the end most of the public was supporting and follow them with applause. That was not enough for the audience to return them 2/ 3 times on bis :)

about the band:

"A classical string quartet that can easily be transformed into a jazz band" New York Times



Amazed, the critic describes how the four musicians played Haydn and Debussy first then move on after the break, their arrangement of music from the movie "Pulp Fiction" an improvisation on "Spain" by Chick Corea, and finally, recalling, by revealing the voice of a great a Capella quartet.





“Sie spielen, als ob sie eine fünfte Person wurden.” [The quartet plays as though there was a fifth person.] Ensemble- Magazin für Kammermusik, June, 2oo7

• Pierre Colombet, violin

• Gabriel Le Magadure, violin

• Mathieu Herzog, viola

• Raphaël Merlin, cello

"In everything we always wanted to do in music, there was deep within us during these hours spent in repeating Haydn, Beethoven and Bartok, a hidden dream to improvise and create a new way of seeing the quartet String.

Accompanied by drummer Richard Hery and our sound engineer Fabrice Planchat we now offer an entire program with different pieces and improvisations on the theme of jazz, film music and pop. "


Quatuor Ebène has studied extensively with the Ysäye Quartet, with Gábor Takács, and with Eberhard Feltz and György Kurtág. The Ebènes won in 2004 the ARD international competition in Munich and the Forberg-Schneider Foundation’s Belmont Prize in 2005. In 2007/2008, the quartet was invited into the most prestigious venues in Europe, Japan and the United States, they are among other products in the Vienna Musikverein, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Berlin Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall in New York in 2009 and participated in a cycle of Haydn's Wigmore Hall in London, with the Hagen Quartet, Emerson and Arcanto. In the beggining of 2009 they start their collaboration with Virgin Classics and since then they do their world famous tours and win the most important music awards.


I record the full song from Miles Davis, hope u like the recording :)




It start being to hard to catch all of the things/ events that are part of the cultural program for autumn/ winter season in the region Lorraine. There are still few more exhibitions that follow and yes trying to catch this pips in future. They have their own style, the night before they had a concert in a front of more then 1500 people, the songs that they play are familiar to the contemporary world and they are interactive with the audience. Friendly as the music they play.

You can check more about them on their official page or follow them on facebook

11ème Prix International « Charlemagne » de Thionville

Doing my regular Sunday or weekend walk around the center of the city, in the park and also by the river, I found about one photo exhibition where were exposed works from the International Federation of Photographic Art.

Exhibition of the 11eme Prix International 'Charlemagne' de Photographie de Thionville – 2010 where from the Jury where selected photographers from six countries: Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Russia and France. Maybe more then half of the works in my eyes were masterpieces like the photography by Gennaro Taddei 'Rencontre de l' HEPHEMERE' , 'Cross' by Vasily Peremezhko, Alexandre Parrot with 'Souvenirs d'Elle' but like all the set of photography there is just perfect. Amazing works also from Guy-Henri Vanden Eynde, Ole Suszkiewicz, Nikola Esposito, Marko Cohen, Pierre Pedelmas and Jacques Vanneuville.

the official info for this expo is ~ From 09/10/2010 to 14/11/2010 there's the Photography biennial in Thionville. Since 1989, the Prix International Charlemagne became a popular appointment for photographers, amateurs and professionals. The theme for this edition is "Dating". Participants were asked to provide a series of photography 8-10 (black and white or color) on the topic of their choice, respecting the theme.

Guy-Henri Vanden Eynde

The name of the exposition is 'RENCONTRES' and was open till 14 November. I didn't know from before that they use this space for exhibitions also, I attend concert there before. This time the space was designed and adapted for this exhibition. The interest for the expo is also big the public was the one who attracted me to enter inside and see whats happening.

Gennaro Taddéi

the first photography is from Alexandre Parrot