Today we speak to Sasha all about the show Pascol. A theatre experience that blends live vocal improvisation and audience storytelling. It is happening on the 15th November at 5pm at Theatro Technis as part of the Viola! Festival Programme. I spoke to Sasha to find out all about it.
Hello! Tell us about yourself ?
Hello! My name is Sasha Gefen, and I am the founder and one of the members of the Pascol project.
Tell us about the show Pascol
Pascol is a vocal performance where we sing the stories of different people who come to the show. Basically, it’s a dialogue between the artist and people, in which we use the language of music and movement. We try to listen carefully, feel the essence of the story, and reflect on it.
How are rehearsals going?
We do a lot of exercises for connecting with each other, because this is the most important thing: to listen and to sense where to stop or enter or add another layer. This work is unseen but very delicate and it’s a fundamental for everything we do. It’s like working with electricity. Can seem like it’s magic but actually it’s a hard and subtle work that makes it happen. We do dancing and movement workshops, acting classes, cause you have to be everything when you show someone’s life.
What can you tell us about the stage set?
There is not much really. Just us and the light. We create the space ourselves, we imagine it’s there.
Tell us a little bit about the rest of the cast
Phoebe Osborne, musician, singer, improviser, group facilitator. Phoebe sings in many projects and has her own music. She is a great artist and a human.
Namvula Rennie joined us in February this year. Namvula is an admirable songwriter as well. She is exploring the music of her roots, coming from Zambia.
Vera Raskina, actress and singer. Vera works with electronic music and playing in a musical, that had a premiere in Omnius theatre this year.
Claudia Marques, talanted singer and performer. She brings a lot of soft and warm Portuguese sounds, sharing her voice with the world.
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
We are always aware of that fact that there could be no one who would tell a story. Every time we start the show, we don’t know what to expect. We make a step into the void, it can be scary but also thrilling and exciting. And each time it’s always different and unique, cause every time there are new people with their stories, they never repeat.
The best thing about touring the show?
Gathering precious stories, witnessing the moment of sharing and solidarity. It’s real beauty and we are super happy that people who come to our shows are so generous.
What have been some of the best highlights since doing the show?
The so-called “Aha” moments. When everyone in the audience has been a witness to true magic, which will stay right there, in that moment, in that place, but we all know it happened.
what is the best reaction you have had from an audience member?
Actually it’s very simple. Every laugh, every tear is so important. At that point, I know – we did it right.
If people want to follow you on social media where can they find you?
Instagram or TikTok, just type pascol project
Finally in three words why should people come to your show?
Safe accessible magic
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