Velhaa_Per aquihi que duermen nin
by LabPerm
Description
Historically, small agricultural communities would convene in barns — spaces where children, adults, and elders shared a moment in time defined by natural cycles and oral traditions. In such proximity, the collective imagination, dreams, and customs of a community were nurtured and transmitted. In the Maira and Grana Valleys, these gatherings were known as ‘Velhaa’, and this cultural legacy, vital for humanity across all ages, continues to be deeply cherished by the residents of this region. For one evening, LabPerm transformed the picnic area building of the Caraglio Biopark into a barn for the Velhaa, welcoming a community of about 60 individuals. Drawing on narratives and musings collated during their residency, attendees were encouraged to exchange and uncover memories and hopes, interlaced with a cappella renditions by choirs in the barn.
LabPerm
Founded in 1997 by Domenico Castaldo, LabPerm is housed in the erstwhile Cemetery of San Pietro in Vincoli in Turin. Currently, it comprises a quintet of actors: Domenico Castaldo, Ginevra Giachetti, Marta Laneri, Rui Alber Padul, and Natalia Sangiorgio. Beyond crafting original theatre works, LabPerm also established LUPA (Libera Università sulla Persona in Armonia or Free University on the Person in Harmony). This institution advocates for a diverse spectrum of theatrical pedagogy and engages an array of educators, including writers, poets, actors, theatre historians, and psychologists. They embrace a conception of popular theatre that asserts popular art must invariably reflect robust authenticity, humanity, and at times, spirituality. ‘The term ‘people’ evokes a sense of humanity and simplicity, of cohesion, of a collective bound by shared purpose, who honour mutual respect and adhere to an ethical code.’ Domenico Castaldo, a graduate of the Teatro Stabile di Torino in 1993, spent the period from 1995 to 1997 at the Workcenter of Pontedera with Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards.
