Free for all

>> Projet/Projo will bring you through the looking glass, gratis

by MARITES CARINO

If you go out to the MAI (Montréal arts interculturels) this weekend, you’re in for a big surprise.
Beware when weaving through the corridor, basement and bathroom, because something could catch you off guard: Projet/Projo will transform this McGill ghetto space into an artsy funhouse with video, installations, film, performances and projections galore nestled in every nook and cranny.
“We try to create an Alice in Wonderland feeling where people will go ‘Wow!’ when they walk through the doors,” says Miriam Ginestier. She and Paul Caskey—co-artistic directors of Studio 303— are the co-curators of the event, which has been extended to four days, from last year’s two. “There’s the pleasure of discovery of a new world, a childish wonder,” Ginestier says.

With the event being so multidisciplinary, a wide cross-section of people are drawn to take in the spectacle. “People who are used to seeing visual arts in a gallery are excited to see visual arts presented in a festive atmosphere. It’s not a hush-hush environment,” Ginestier explains. “And people who go to the theatre regularly are excited to wander around and not have to leave right after the show and they can see it in the order they want.”

Thanks to government funding, sponsors and volunteers, Ginestier explains, it was possible to keep the event free-of-charge. “For the public, installation and interdisciplinary arts are a bit weird. It’s still a mystery for them and it’s good to demystify it and present it in a free and festive environment.”

Two groups of artists perform every night in the theatre at 9:45 p.m., but if there’s not enough room in the theatre, don’t despair, you can watch the live video feed in another room. Artists who take the stage include Jenn Goodwin, John Boehme, Maryse Poulin and Stephen O’Connell. “Even though people may recognize these people as dancers, what they’re doing is interdisciplinary and not really dance,” Ginestier warns.

And in this year’s edition of Projet/Projo, there’s a more international feel. Artists from New York, Los Angeles and even Albania will be showing their wares. Another addition: live DJs will be spinning in the lounge area for anyone wanting to cut a rug. Incidentally, Ginestier—aka DJ Mim—takes control of the turntables on the night of Friday, Feb. 16.

World of dance

For a more traditional dance setting, Les Bancs d’essai internationaux, a touring collection of international contemporary dance spotlighting works by young emerging choreographers finishes up this weekend at Tangente. Look out for pieces from choreographers from Wales, Luxembourg and a duo featuring a Finnish and a Polish woman who play twin creatures in a surreal world. :

Projet/Projo at the MAI, Feb. 14–17,
7pm–midnight, free, 393-3771; Bancs d’essai internationaux at Tangente Feb. 14–17, 8:30pm, $13–15, 525-1500