Geração SOMA (body in movement, inclusive body, body in addition) 2015 - 2017

An artistic, inclusive and social project selected by PARTIS - Prácticas Artísticas para Inclusão Social with the support of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation - Gulbenkian's Programme for the Human Development.

This is a project about a generation in which the small ones fit. Children and their greatness are the inspiration source of this project!

Geração SOMA begun with 1200 children (17 classes) of the Padre Bartolomeu de Gusmão  and the Escolas Vergílio Ferreira school groups, namely 12 classes from Josefa de Óbidos school, 1 class from Ressano Garcia school and 4 from the Middle-grade school of Telheiras. This project has included disabled children and their representatives (teachers and parents) in a sphere of more than 200 people. 

Through artistic practice alongside with the work developed by CiM - Dance Company, 12 different sessions were prepared by each class, as well as 4 moments of "Arte em Movimento" during the holidays counting with the participation of more than 100 children.

CiM's artistic direction, formed by 12 artists/teachers, was part of these classes’ curricula during 14 months. The challenge had the theme of the super-power and the discovery of the imagination that exists in each child.  It was from the children's inspiration that 4 characters arisen, based in 4 acronyms, each one containing its own super-power.

The result of this project, that started in schools in April 2016 and lasted until June 2017, culminated in a performance called "Eu Maior", which counted with the participation of 4 professional interpreters and 60 interpreters among children, school staff and teachers accompanied by the Trifonética Orchestra, which is composed by students from the Regime Articulado de Música.

The premiere took place in São Luiz Theater at the 9th of June 2017 and in 2018 was presented on February 20, at 3pm, in the Grand Auditorium of Calouste Gulbenkian's Foundation (Lisbon) with full house.

Each super-power comes to light and transforms weaknesses in potential movements, through dance alongside other art forms.

Geração SOMA's  challenge is to continue this experience with other Portuguese schools, repeating the format of integrate this project in the school curricula. There will be a selection of classes which will publically present the performance at the Theatres or Municipalitie’s Auditorium. 30 to 50 students will be involved.

Vo'Arte is producing the project documentary with two-year activities recordings, which culminated in EU MAIOR performance and will also launch the original soundtrack of the performance. This work counts with the essential support of the ETIC - School of Technologies, Innovation and Creation of Lisbon.

This register will contribute to the preservation of the Vo'Arte heritage and also to the creation of an object that reflects and that allows to disseminate Good Inclusive Practices in the Performative Arts.

Geração SOMA intends to create awareness in children and in the whole society for the importance of inclusion and accessibility through art. After all, art assumes a fundamental role in the artistic, pedagogical and therapeutic sphere. It also aims to fight against social exclusion, giving a voice to those communities that have less chances of contributing to the public sphere.

Geração SOMA aspires to facilitate the social inclusion of individuals within society. The integration of everyone depends on the acceptation of every human being. This way it is possible to get through our differences and limitations, appreciating the best that each one has to offer.

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Geração SOMA's team is composed of Ana Rita Barata (Artistic Coordination and Choreography), Pedro Sena Nunes (Artistic Coordination) , Rosinda Costa (Dramaturgy), Bruno Rodrigues (Choreography), Cecília Hudec, Joana Gomes, João Furtado and Mara Pacheco (Interpreters and Co-creators), Mafalda Estácio (Cinematography and Costumes) and Philippe Lenzini (Musical Direction).  We will launch the challenge of discovering the Greater Self, a super-power which is going to reveal itself through movement.