The Complete National Anthems of the World
Carlos Azeredo Mesquita(2023)
Taking national anthems as a starting point, I want to reflect on the role these songs play in the construction of the mythology of the nation, explore the banal and universal nature of modern nationalism, and its dynamics of inclusion and exclusion.
The project materializes in a durational performance lasting around 10 hours (split over two days), during which around 300 anthems will be played. The music is created live by three musicians who move around the space, and the lyrics of each anthem will be displayed on an electronic subtitling panel.
The performance is accompanied by an extensive libretto that provides information on the relationships between the anthems and informs on the order in which they are being played, as well as notes on the history, iconography and sociology associated with each one.
Complementing and complexifying this exercise, several interviews were conducted with individuals who reflect on the idiosyncrasies of their relationship they have with the anthems of their countries. These interviews are available in audio and subtitles in another part of the space, to be listened to in parallel to the show.
Creation, artistic direction, research and editing Carlos Azeredo Mesquita Musical direction and composition and dramaturgical support Luís Pestana Musical and choreographic co-creation and interpretation Diogo Andrade – trombone; Inês Luzio – euphonium; Nelson Ferreira – trumpet; Tiago Noites – trombone Counseling and dramaturgy Yasmina Reggad Dramaturgical support and external perspective Catarina Miranda Advice and support for the libretto Isabel Duarte Consulting and graphic design of the libretto Macedo Cannatà Libretto review Vanessa Gomes da Costa Costumes Nuno Maio Execution of costumes Florinda Dias Support for interviews Mariana Duarte Sound design and sound operation Ricardo Cabral Subtitling programming Marcelo Reis Executive production Mariana Lima Costa / Calote Esférica
Production by Associação Cultural Calote Esférica Co-Production by Sismógrafo Funded by República Portuguesa – Cultura / Direção-Geral das Artes Support for artistic residency by Paulo Cunha e Silva Campus (Porto Municipal Theatre), A PiSCiNA, and TUP – Porto University Theater Acknowledgements Miguel Ramos/Confederation; Cristina Planas Leitão/Bacteria; Circling; To the various interviewees Duration approx. 10 hours (split over two days) Presentation Sismógrafo Gallery 16 & 17.12.2023 Porto, PT