"My name is Francisca Poças, and I am Portuguese, specifically from Leiria. I have a degree in Dance and am part of Te-Ato - Leiria Theater Group. My work revolves around exploring the potential of creating times and spaces as tools for community development. I was participating in the performative journey "Bem Essencial - Pão, Água e Livros” in 2021 when, after a rehearsal, sitting on the floor with crossed legs, Matilde told me about the BOWING project. It was very easy to become intrigued, and I kept the information that "after the summer, we will build a show with everyone, adults, teenagers, and children, through the streets of São Teotónio." As the hot months arrived, I wrote a letter to the Lavrar o Mar Cooperative, asking if I could accompany and in what way I could support the final moment of the project, the construction of the show. Madalena proposed that I participate in the public audition. Analyzing the proposals made during the audition, I was already convinced that sensitivity is refined in these types of projects when, during lunch break, there were blankets on the ground, in the shade, wooden drawers with utensils, and a homemade meal prepared by four teenagers. I was delighted when the team proposed that I accompany and participate in the project from late September to mid-November. On weekends, at the São Teotónio parish council, I joined the core team, participating and supporting rehearsals, particularly regarding movement and dance. I could explore concepts and approaches such as redefining "interdisciplinarity," thinking about a performative journey, quoting movement, seeking to be a thinking body, like revisiting the movement of daily work and giving it another layer... Working with children, teenagers, and adults was also a learning experience, and the awareness and dedication to the project were expressed in different ways. The linguistic situation also had its degree of challenge. By closely following the team, I realized that what fulfills a political and community project of the magnitude of BOWING is sensitivity, both human and artistic. There is a dedication that covers all aspects, an involvement that looks at and weighs what is before and after the door of the rehearsal room, attention to details, intelligence, and artistic trust. Perhaps the most important conclusion I drew from the project is that possibility lies in the work of sensitivity. Among my dearest memories is the moment of Bipasha singing at the window of a local house, accompanied by Júnior with percussion and Vitória on the accordion. In all rehearsals, at the Parish Council or at the window, Bipasha always sang happily. On the street, smelling like curry, you could see the owner of the house, a lady having dinner in the living room or in the kitchen washing dishes. Among the memories, I also remember the couscous and boiled eggs made by the team and for the team; Meet growing 10 years while teaching us to meditate; Ivan drinking juice from a straw during the show; a song that Aashika invented with me; witnessing, minutes before one of the shows, in the typical rush and nerves of the hour, Jagjeet refining Antoine's turban. Adventures were also part of it. Once we were all, except the group of adults, rehearsing the "Meditation" moment at Quintalão, around the fountain, until we were interrupted by an outraged priest. The episode stayed with me due to the reaction I recorded from the kids, confused and fearful. On the last day of the show in 2021, my BOWING journey ended, and since then, I carry it in my pockets as a safeguard that possibilities exist."
Photography by: João Mariano - 1000 Olhos