SAIIER 2021:CRIPA (Centre for Research in the Performing Arts)

Auroville Sports Resource Centre (AVSRC)		Auroville Choirs
Entity::CRIPA (Centre for Research in the Performing Arts) by Christophe

CRIPA is a rehearsal hall, the first phase of a Performing Arts Centre in Kalabhumi, devoted to music, theatre and dance rehearsals, performances and classes. CRIPA provides space for these activities, and fosters, supports and encourages research into the Performing Arts in Auroville.

Activities of the year:

Obviously, events due to Covid-19 have altered the functioning of CRIPA. The first two months of lockdown were devoted to a big cleanup, necessary at the end of the season, but also to the reorganization of the technical parties and maintenance of the equipment.

From the third month we began to accept individuals (dance, piano) and small groups of Aurovilians of less than 5 people (theater, dance, music, singing) in accordance with the rules imposed by Auroville’s Covid Task Force, the Working Committee and the government of Tamil Nadu, with measures including distancing, sanitizer, chlorine, masks, etc.

Slowly we resumed an almost normal activity, welcoming larger groups and some performances, though with audience capacity limited to 50% as per the anti-Covid rules.

Grace (dance) produced a show at the end of April as well as the Auroville Theater Group with Jill (“EQUUS”), and the Auroville Youth Choir with Nuria.

Outcomes:

In terms of the outcome, we could call it a transition year. Lots of preparation work was done for the next season for all Auroville artists.

Some performances could be offered, but we especially had preparation workshops, especially in dance, a little in theater, but also in Medi-Clown from which the Aurovilians were able to benefit. The Aurovilian artists continued to work on both form and substance.

We hope that the work done this year will lead to performances next year in theater, contemporary or traditional dance and piano recital or song.

Reflections:

The most significant and at the same time difficult learning was to manage a place designed to receive the public with all the imposed restrictions and the human frustrations that this caused. So we learned more patience!

Conclusion:

Despite this difficult year CRIPA has not lost its place in the artistic landscape in Auroville.

We continue and will continue to participate in the development of Aurovilians in performing arts by making a place available for courses and workshops.

We support and will support the creation of shows by putting our resources at the service of creators: rehearsal rooms, boxes, technical facilities at CRIPA Hall but also for Kalabhhumi amphitheater for example – responding to the needs.