CTR_matrix

About the Open Call

CTR_matrix is an advanced course in research and experimentation with the tool Composition in Real Time [CTR], a field of study that moves between the disciplines of performance, improvisation and creation. Through CTR we aim to reduce the distance (and distinction) of territories normally split between theory and practice; the fictional and the documentary; or observation and action. CTR is a practice driven by the desire to find strategies for suspending certainty; for activating ways of making action think and making thought act; and its ultimate goal is the experience of ‘not knowing together’. This will be an advanced and immersive course, led by João Fiadeiro and some occasional guests, which will enable access to Real-Time Composition from the different angles and scales that make it up, with balanced and interconnected doses of thought, experimentation and action. The appropriation of its tools and concepts will take place through exercises designed to respond to each dimension of its multiple applications; through performative devices; and through the sharing of visual references (diagrams, videos of past practices and examples of works/proposals by artists who dialogue with this practice). The first week of this five-week course (28 September to 31 October 2025) will take place at Herdade do Freixo do Meio, about an hour from Lisbon. Daily life there will include Artisanal Intelligence (AI) sessions with the estate’s employees, afternoon sessions focused on the ‘matrix’ dimension of Real Time Composition (RTC) with practices on ‘board scale’ and ‘body scale’, and evening screenings of influential films and documentaries. Meals at Herdade do Freixo do Meio will be a mix of traditional Alentejo lunch and group-prepared dinners. On September 28, a conference-performance ‘I Was Here’ by João Fiadeiro will be presented. The following four weeks (from 6 to 31 October) will take place at the Forum Dança facilities in Lisbon, continuing the study and practice of the CTR matrix in the morning and exploring synthesis and performance devices in the afternoon. Informal presentations of processes will occur at the end of each week (10, 17, 24 and 31 October).

What is Offered

Advanced course in Composition in Real Time (CTR) with João Fiadeiro, including theoretical and practical sessions, performative devices, peer feedback, Artisanal Intelligence (AI) sessions, film screenings, and informal process presentations.

Requirements

This workshop is aimed at artists with experience in improvisation but is open to anyone who identifies with the premise of the proposal and feels available and comfortable experimenting with composition and improvisation practices with the body.

How to Apply

Applications must be written in English or Portuguese and include: a motivation letter (max. 1 A4 .pdf page); a CV with photo and biographical note; and a portfolio in pdf format and/or website with a history of creations, published texts or collaborations, with direct links to online video recordings (Youtube, Vimeo, etc.). No download links are accepted. Applications are submitted via an online form, all fields are mandatory.