Andrea Altavilla is a multi-disciplinary performer with skills in theatre, dance, and performance art. Altavilla’s works focus on the research of movement and exploring space in relation to the inner self, allowing the conceptualization and understanding of these concepts. Oftentimes portraying controversial topics, Altavilla brings a sophisticated dynamic to the stage while combining both acting and contemporary dance. ‘NARCISO’ is a recent solo performance Altavilla directed and choreographed, selected to be exhibited at THE BODY LANGUAGE 2021 ITS LIQUID International Arts Exhibition.
NARCISO’ is a contemporary interpretation of the Greek mythological story ‘Narciso’, which explores the three stages of narcissism depicted within the text; vanity, ecstasy, and tragedy. Using the body as means of expression, each movement, gesture, and physical articulation conveys the dynamic of the character’s feelings, changing throughout his own exploration of narcissism. Falling deeper and deeper into compulsion, insanity, and soon, his untimely death, the character is triggered by the constant reflection of his image refracted through the mirrors and water beneath him. The changes between each stage and feeling are prompted by shifts within the sound design, creating an atmospheric sense of intimacy between the character, stage, and story. The music further develops into a strange, eerie, and somewhat cynical melody, illustrating the characters’ mentality through sound.
The performative communication and study of this concept were not only focused on the mythological story but a combination of ‘Narciso’ and the definition of narcissism from ‘On Narcissism: An Introduction’ by S. FREUD. Using both sources as a guide to build the character and concept brought to the stage, the performance embodies the disordered mentality, body expression, and shape of a narcissist.
Credits
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER & PERFORMER
Andrea Altavilla @andrea.altavilla_
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CINEMATOGRAPHER
Elena Cichetti @elena.cichetti
GRAFFER & CAMERA ASSISTANT
Maddi Aguilar @emedemaddi
SET & PERFORMATIVE ASSISTANT
Jack Siren @jacksiren
COSTUME DESIGN
Rulfur @rulfur
NARRATIVE DIRECTOR & POST PRODUCTION
Su Türktekin Özdemir @su.o
SOUND DESIGN
Engin Eskiçi (DJ Baklava) @dj_baklava
