Glorious Death by Dritëro Kasapi Sweden
Innovative performance using video, text and live music, is presented in old cafés, the meeting place of different generations and cultures. “How old is Europe and what is its future?” is the question asked by two generations, both immigrants and marginalized.
Europe’s history after the Second World War until today is seen through the life of Gloria, a traveller and a migrant whose story is mirrored by the voice and songs of her son, played by Istanbul based counter-tenor Nuri Harun Ates.
Europe’s aging population trend, emigration of the young, immigration of the elderly and foreigners, apathy, identity crises, xenophobia and racism are the topics.
Four filmed interviews draw Gloria’s path through this life and are projected on three TV screens, accompanied by a live performance, all created by Dritëro Kasapi.
Direction and Concept: Dritëro Kasapi
Text: Mia Törnqvist
Duration: 60 minutes
Producer: Intercult
Support: Swedish Institute
Culturebase on Dritëro Kasapi
 
Inspired by Skegness in England
The idea for Glorious Death was born on a SEAS research visit to Skegness, the traditional British seaside resort, with Bulgarian artist Venelin Shurelov. In Skegness Kasapi took an interest in those who remember the seaside town from their family summer vacations and who have now chosen to return for a relaxed life in retirement.
The increasing number of economicall inactive old people is placing a strain on local social services and resources. The number of old people made him reflect on how change and particularly death can be frightening, yet the definite loss will also bring something new, leaving room for new possibilities and new stories.
”To work within the framework of SEAS can be devastating or liberating. It is a great risk for me as an artist. My relationship to the world and my artistic ideas are exposed to a challenging context and this creates exciting collisions.
So far this risk taking has been a success.”
Dritëro Kasapi
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