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André DuarteBack

André Duarte

My name is André Duarte, also known as Júnior. I am a musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Lavrar o Mar has developed much of its artistic work with the local community of Aljezur, giving rise to new artistic paths and synergies, in which I have participated. After half a decade of collaborations and co-creations with Madalena Victorino and Giacomo Scalisi, I received an invitation to join the BOWING project. Being passionate about cultures and traditional music from around the world, and considering artistic work with communities as one of my comfort zones, BOWING was undoubtedly a perfect fit for my personal and professional journey. During the first year, I joined the BOWING team weekly in sessions with workers from an agricultural company, blending music with the various artistic languages present in the project. BOWING proved to be a challenge for artistic reflection on the role of migration in society and the importance of human values and integration. A sensitive project with a long-term impact. From September to November 2021, I was the musical director of the first performance. This creative process was a great challenge for me, due to all its structural and logistical demands. I felt quite exhausted, not only because of the nature of the project but also because of the moment I was going through in my personal life. Despite the factors that conditioned a healthier flow, BOWING was one of the most beautiful and revealing shows I have participated in. The talent and artistic and human sensitivity of Madalena, as well as the entire team and cast involved, contributed to a journey rich in experiences and the construction of new relationships and friendships. Some of the strongest memories I have are from rehearsals at the São Teotónio Parish Council on Saturdays. The first sessions were a mix between talent casting adrift and open aerobics classes to the public in the summer, in Quarteira. It was not clear who would show up at rehearsal, and the surprise effect was a guaranteed reaction. Every time we immersed ourselves in the mission of teaching a contemporary dance sequence to the Asian community, the results were hilarious and revealing, something between the beautiful and the chaotic. I also remember an episode on the day of the dress rehearsal in the square of the church. The anger of the parish priest of São Teotónio who aggressively tried to sabotage the BOWING band as soon as we started playing. I never imagined witnessing a possessed priest being confronted, between shouts and gestures, by an atheist communist represented by the dear and talented Pedro Salvador, guitar player, and composer.

Photography by: João Mariano - 1000 Olhos