Clara Andermatt announced today that her latest project draws inspiration from the world of the Pauliteiros, extending the performance to the “rich territory” of Trás-os-Montes.
The choreographer highlighted her journey into this universe, discovering “strong and identity-defining characteristics.”
“Contemporary dance can also engage with traditions, creating something new that is both universal and characteristic of a particular territory,” stated Rui Araújo, director of Teatro de Vila Real.
The project ‘Do Terreiro ao Mundo’ emerged from a challenge by Teatro de Vila Real to the Instável company, inviting Clara Andermatt as part of a coproduction with the Centro Cultural de Lagos.
“It is a way for us to look at our traditions as a possibility for reinvention and to contribute to universal art from elements inherent to our genetic code as Transmontanos,” expressed Rui Araújo.
The Pauliteiros, rooted in the “sword dance,” perform the traditional “dance of the sticks,” featuring warrior-like, ritualistic, and religious movements, accompanied by bagpipes, snare drum, and bass drum.
The ritual dances of the Pauliteiros at the traditional festivals of Miranda do Douro have been part of the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage since April 2025.
In preparation for this performance, Clara Andermatt conducted research in Miranda do Douro, Bragança, observing the Pauliteiros and interacting with various groups, gaining insights into the distinctive characteristics of these dances.
“It’s a personal interpretation and vision. Those familiar with the Pauliteiros universe and dances will recognize the roots and the divergences,” noted the choreographer, mentioning that the piece “is full of references” such as sticks, colors, and dance, within her interpretation of this tradition.
The show features four dancers and two musicians who create an interplay between body, gesture, and sound, with original music by Luís Pedro Madeira and Clara Andermatt.
Luís Pedro Madeira, a multi-instrumentalist, music educator, and composer, collaborates on the project. Costumes are by Gabriela Gomes, a visual artist and researcher.
“It’s beautiful to see such vitality and the many people valuing tradition while developing and creating new things – this is another perspective,” remarked Clara Andermatt, considering the project a “very interesting” challenge, yet expressing “some dismay” over the depopulation affecting the region.
Creator of over fifty pieces presented in Portugal and internationally, Andermatt enjoys blending cultures, languages, and working with diverse bodies and backgrounds.
The premiere of ‘Do Terreiro ao Mundo’ on Saturday also launches the contemporary dance festival Algures a Nordeste, running until the end of September in Vila Real, featuring five performances, including one aimed at schools focusing on inclusive dance.
“It’s a way to show that everyone can contribute to the arts, provided they have talent and work hard,” Rui Araújo commented on the ‘Somatati’ performance by CiM — Companhia de Dança, which includes performers with and without disabilities.
The festival also features a tribute to Camilo Castelo Branco with ‘Camilo — Vida e Obra’ by Ballet do Douro, the performance ‘Maurice Accompagné’ by Companhia Paulo Ribeiro, and ‘In Absentia’ with Helder Seabra.
