Not so much press at the press conference but it was important as an event to present the project formally and give our thanks to the Cultural Department of Mangalia city who have been incredibly helpful and very welcoming.
After the press conference we go to Revolution Square and find the Fantomats lined up smartly, surrounded by children that are running from one to another pressing the buttons. Later Borderline plays from speakers hidden in three trees: passers-by strolling to the beach stop and peer into the branches – a man on a scooter comes past twice, slowing down just to double check that he wasn’t mistaken the first time.
At 5.30, while we are in our office in the hotel creating flyers for the SEAS Club which will be distributed on the beach, we hear jolly brass band music. Another recording in this town of tannoys – we assume – because it sounds too good. But no, it is a REAL brass band, sitting on the steps of the Culture House under our SEAS banner, overlooking the Fantomats and the trees where Borderline is placed. Did we invite them? Apparently not. Then some men put up their own banners and the Romanian flag on the steps – it becomes clear that it is part of the election campaign of the Mayor’s opponent.
The brass band is very good. But in an ironic reversal of our recent fortunes, we are now the ones with the “permission” and they are not. They pause to let Borderline play at six o’clock but they remain for the hour they have been booked to play, notwithstanding our (mild) protest and the arrival of the police who are sympathetic but neutral. This is a local matter.
After dinner we go down to the harbour where Monday in the Sun is to be performed, next to the big screen showing the football championships. At 9.30 the sound is switched off by the event managers, as arranged, and a curious crowd moves from the soccer screen to our performance. About 150 people in total (mainly young guys) settle like an expectant crowd in a sports stadium to watch contemporary dance from Turkey. Chris gives a short speech in which he wishes Romania well in their game against Italy (big cheer) and the show begins. It’s obvious that most of the spectators have never seen nor ever expected to see anything like this in their lives.
There is applause during the performance for the more athletic sections of the work, some laughter and heckling during the quieter and more tender moments between the two male performers, but in general it’s like a football crowd giving the opposing side the respect they deserve for a good match. Some of the crowd are genuinely fascinated and want to know if it will happen again tomorrow night.
After the dance, we sit down in front of the big screen, take a beer, and watch the rest of the Turkey v Switzerland game. The score – 2-1 to Turkey – is a nice bonus.