Erasmus in Portugal

Welcome to my podcast! My name is Deya Argirova and I spent 4 months in Portalegre, Portugal as an Erasmus student. Inspired by my experience, I decided to produce an audio diary based on my life there. I hope you enjoy it.

EPISODE 1: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

If I had to describe my first week with a word, it would probably be hell. It didn’t take me long to figure out I was regretting my decision and I wanted to back home.

I arrived in the city at 19:30 and it was already dark. I went directly to the dormitory, where all the troubles started. All my expectations hit me like a ton of bricks and believe me I was done the first hour I was there.

Despite all the initial drama, I didn’t give up which is pretty untypical for me.

Here are my thoughts from the first night I spent in Portalegre.

EPISODE 2: THE SCHOOL

I met a lot of great friends this Spring semester, including people from my classes. One of them is Rui. He is the person in class that is always asking questions or commenting, basically never stops talking. And why stop him?

So I gave him the Zoom and told him to assume the role of a school guide. Enjoy his tour!

EPISODE 3: A MAN OF THE PEOPLE

If I didn’t know better, I would say that José Polainas is the mayor of Portalegre or the genie from Aladdin. Everybody knows him. His name works like a secret password.

Are you lost? Say Polainas!

Do you have a problem? Say Polainas!

Want a good deal in the store? Say Polainas!

Works every single time!

José uses his magic powers to deal with all international students. He works for the Institute and I would say is the best asset. I couldn’t think of a better person to show the city of Portalegre.

EPISODE 4: CONFESSIONS

As I already mentioned, I met some great people. I am grateful for meeting them because I got the chance to experience their reality. In the episode, you will hear Victoria or as I like to call her — the goofy one. Give her a glass of wine and enjoy her company. It is worth it.

I recorded one of our many conversations where the two of us are talking about nothing and everything.

My Erasmus journey may be ending, but all the friendships are just beginning!

Adeus, Portugal!

I would like to think of myself as an artist. As one, I wanted to look on the bright side of life and theatre, but for years I was unable to. I have wanted to become an actress since I was very little, but how could I? All I ever heard was stories about glorified careers of empty bank accounts. And when you are little, you listen. I listened that it is great, but only as a hoby because it does not pay much. So, I buried the dream. Years passed but news are still the same “Theatre is dying.Young people don’t go there anymore. Actors are underpaid, unhappy and boring.”

That is until a few months ago, when I found a tresure that showed me I was wrong to give up on my dream, especially on these false assumptions.

“It was love at first sight.”

“I was in 10th grade when my friends and I performed a play and something happened in that very moment. I felt the need to feel this for the rest of my life. There was no other way.”

Simeon is now 26 and the thirst for theatre has not faded away.

The search to find the truth about theatre led to GESTUS. An independent civil organization established in July 2016 that acknowledges the cultural significance of theatre and art. The location is Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria and the masterminds are actors and directors, who simply wanted to express themselves freely without being constrained by the old-fashioned way of doing things.

It all started when that small group of friends were graduating South Western University in Blagoevgrad. Each had the idea to create an association that would be a sanctuary for artistic expression. Together they created GESTUS. Each has different motives, but all very common. “The system” as they call it, is outdated. There is no money in the industry, which leads to lack of public interest and that itself is the incentive to debts. It is a never-ending circle. The patriarchial theater disciplines, the same old plays and administrative, and financial problems are ruling. Just as big is the political influence that strives to keep that status quo alive. 80% of their colleagues are unemployed or forced to be in an “artisctic cage” in order to make ends meet.

But despite all that, GESTUS have a passion to overthrow the old ways. The members consider themselves to be the rebels in the society.They are fighting a cause to show that young artists have a vision; that modern plays are worth performing and that theatre can be more attractive than ever. Their name says it all. It comes from Latin and it means “gesture.”

“I think all of us, here, have come to a point that we have a social standing and a civil duty as artists. It is simply not enough for us to be happy, we want other young actors and directors to feel the same way. We want to create a stage where young people can express themselves and feel happy. It is open for those who love art and theatre, even if they have zero experience.” — Ivan Todorov.

GESTUS are very accepting. It is easy to go in if you have love for theatre, and it is also just as easy to leave if you feel even a bit uncomfortable. Yet, their path was never one of rainbows and sunshine, but full of obstacles. Even as an NGO, the organization has to go through administative and legislation work all the time. Unfortunately, NGOs have created a bad image for themselves such as thieves and curtans for political interests and GESTUS has to fight that stereotype.

1. Infographic on how to join the organization

One of the biggest issues that is faced is financial, which may not come as a surprise. The government of Bulgaria has created a law, which apparently is approved and official, yet completely unususable. It is about associations accepting donations from firms and people. This is great on paper, however,one cannot do that because there is the so called “hole” in the law, which makes it completely useless. Just another paradox in Bulgaria. The members of GESTUS are not discouraged, despite all that. They have invested their personal savings and continue to do that in the name of the cause. Most of them have other jobs on the side. Late night waitressing is worth it for late night audience applause.

“All the money is from our pockets and all that we get back is applause.”- Ilona Gospodinova

6.Video of the crew performing one of their plays.( the borrowed element or if there isn’t one I can film it)

7. Future development (Text Part 3):

It seems that this is just the beginning for GESTUS and that the flame of their ambition, perseverance and postivism, will definitely not die anytime soon. New members are joining the group all the time and they are growing gradually. What they hope to achieve is to influence “the system.” They want to create that chain of cultural appreciation and innovation that would last way beyond their time. They want to fight the stereotypes that made me give up my dream. This is the reason I am sharing their story. Others, aspiring actors need to hear that there is a place (somewhere over the rainbow) that awaits to hear them.

One of their new plays is actually performed in a governmental theatre and a year ago that was impossible because of the director of the institution. So maybe change is happening? And maybe more young people will become artists? And maybe more millennials will go and watch?After all, there is hope. Nevermind the ignorance, the state or the money.

And maybe,

Just maybe,

we are on our way to “The Great Modern Days of Theatre.”

Photo Essay with their answers to questions about them:

3. Creative Gallery — Red light examples that are not in a photo essay

Milana is a second-year- student at AUBG and she is a part of the Broadway club. She loves performing in front of audiences and one cannot spot even an ounce of nervousness or fear in her eyes. Milana gives her all for the audience. She breathes and lives through the people. This will be her second time performing live at AUBG and she decided to do it again because she misses the stage.

“I remember my mom asking me if I wanted to dance when I was 7 because I was always very energetic, listening to music and moving. I have been dancing ever since,” she says.

One’s eye can easily spot the passion in Milana. Even after a tough 3- hour-rehearsal for AUBG’s Musical, she feels free and relaxed. She is ready to perform for at least another three hours. There is no sign of tiredness or muscle pain.

If there is one thing to know about Milana is that she is a team player. She needs the support of other dancers and dedicates herself completely. Being all sweaty and hot when she stops is all worth it for her.

“Dance in one word for me is expression. My grandma was a dancer, my mom as well. I don’t know if it is genes, but it is my passion. I do it for the end. It is an explosion for me,” she says.

Despite having shared all that, dance for her is only a hobby. It is and will always be only a way to escape reality.