Project Barca starts with an idea that is today taken for granted but which was quite revolutionary in 15th century Europe; that the world is round and by sailing west one would eventually arrive in 'the East'. Conceptually, philosophically, and politically, going West to find East raises a host of questions, not least about the human urge to adventure, to discover, to take possession of, and to colonise what we find in our paths. It also raises questions about the unanticipated and sometimes unintended results of these adventures, discoveries, and colonizations of various new territories; physical, psychological, and otherwise. Project Barca explores a range of ideas contained within the phrase 'going west to find east' by first inverting it, i.e., 'going east to find west', and then playing on the inherent paradox of going in either direction to find the other. Playing on the Spanish and Portuguese word for small boat, barca, the research embarks on a journey of exploration, utilizing comprehensive new Research/Creation methods that question the very platforms it utilizes to disseminate its results, i.e., live performances, mixed media installations, film documentation, mixed mode writings, etc. Most importantly, the research positions contemporary choreographic practice at the centre of a scholarly investigation that is framed by our primary research question, namely; how can embodied personal and collective memories be shaped into new 'architectures' of identity and belonging in the form of innovative performance works that speak to wider sections of society?
Graduate and Undergraduate Research Assistants needed!!!
Project Barca is recruiting graduate and undergraduate students for its three-year Research/Creation program. Substantial experience in one or more performance or media art forms is a necessity. Academic tasks will include literature reviews, writing tasks (including blog posts, etc.), and participation in workshops and colloquia. Pay will be according to current SFU rates (click here for rates). 15th and 16th century Spanish and Portuguese colonization in the Old and New Worlds is the starting point for Barca: Going West to find East/Going East to find West. Ability to speak Spanish and/or Portuguese is an asset, but not a requirement. Applicants should carefully read the details of the project (click on image to the left) and also visit our blog (click here). They should also have a long-term dedicated interest in the objectives of the research. |
