Article: TRANS*PERFORMATIVITY Throwback

Have you ever thought about how one’s experience, as unique as it is, can be similar to other people’s processes? The transdisciplinary artist Aura (1997, Porto) focuses her works on issues such as identity, sustainability, and freedom. Her latest authorial work, ‘Trans*Performativity’ has been and continues to be performed internationally, in countries such as Portugal, Poland, Italy, Sweden, and recently, the Netherlands. For the first time in Aura’s life as a performer, one of her projects is being worked on by a group strictly composed of trans performers. The significance of this beyond a social and political movement can be seen as an assertion of presence, as the artist states, “We are here, we are trans, we are queer”.

Aura’s background in Visual Arts and performance-making equips her with an understanding of the capacity of art to foster connections and engagement within communities. While Aura has an array of artistic talents, she is drawn to contemporary dance, as it’s one of the few art forms where the body acts as a canvas, and each observer’s interpretation is as unique as the movement itself. On Saturday, September 7th, 2024, Aura held a workshop at Nieuwe Vide called “Trans*performativity — an anatomy of identity.” This workshop was created to recognize the different experiences of trans people and create a safer space for co-creating alternative realities.

The workshop at Nieuwe Vide was designed to be inclusive for everyone but with a focus on transgender people. Aura emphasized the importance of transforming personal stories into abstract movements and how this can be incredibly empowering. It provided a way for participants who might feel overwhelmed to talk about their experiences, to communicate through actions and body movements. One of the main goals was to challenge the individualistic culture by normalizing the human touch and creating an immersive experience where people can freely express themselves. For this purpose, a variety of communication tools were used, including discussing trans-feminist texts, freewriting, and creating authentic pieces reflecting personal experiences, which participants could choose to share.

The next day, Aura, and her team performed at Schuur, a theater and cinema, as part of Queer Festival Haarlem, the first festival dedicated to queer culture in Haarlem. Similar to her previous performances, like “7≈8”, the show was an immersive experience where the stage was shared by the artist and the audience, with motions carrying unique significance for each person. By intentionally avoiding providing clear meanings to the public during her performance, Aura aimed to offer an open field for interpretation. Centered around the theme of transposition of trans* experiences, the performance encouraged the audience to contemplate and ponder the character’s transformation and growth.

By blending audiovisual media and collective performances, the artists created an atmosphere that encouraged attentive observation of every movement, such as falling, getting up, hiding, and finding oneself, revealing a performance that is equally courageous and vulnerable. As the artist expressed, the movement was subjectively portrayed in the processes of transformation and metamorphosis. Factors such as scenography, costumes, and light design were meticulously planned to convey a sense of a secure and innovative space that embraced individual and collective freedom, and shines a light on under-represented issues.

Though she doesn’t have a political agenda, Aura sees herself as an artist who believes that art can be a form of intersectional activism with the power to change the world. She says that queer (and minority) artists regularly end up acting as ‘teachers’ for people outside the LGBTQIA+ community in matters of gender, sexuality, and identity. While it can be tiring sometimes, she understands the importance of this role and is willing to be part of it. Despite being different in our identities and opinions, we all experience similar stages of life – think puberty, relationship endings, and medical procedures. She emphasizes that transformation is a natural process that affects everyone, including humans, nature, and the cosmos. Further, she encourages people to contemplate their differences and similarities as individuals deserving of respect and equal opportunities. She actively seeks connections with queer communities and wants to create safe spaces in public settings (such as schools), allowing more people to relate to the social issues addressed in her work. To this end, Aura is always committed to making her performances and workshops more ethical and accessible to other people. During Queer Festival Haarlem, Nieuwe Vide hosted Aura for her workshops and rehearsals, and proudly supported her throughout her time in Haarlem.

This article is written by Nieuwe Vide’s intern Giovanna Calainho

1)  Work by Aura Fonseca (2021-2023) on the body, mind, and soul. A proposal of the four natural elements as a way of creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Available on:  Aura — 7 ≈ 8 (auradafonseca.com)