"Culture is a bridge between our countries": an essayist from Colombia on the "Khorovod" parable
The first performance of the musical and choreographic
parable "Khorovod" at the National Centre RUSSIA was attended not
only by bearers of Russian culture but also by foreign guests. Juan Manuel
Rincon, a participant in the II Open Dialogue and Special Advisor for Creative
and Digital Industries and International Cooperation for the Government of
Popayan (Colombia), admitted that the premiere exceeded all his expectations.
"This amazing performance showed the strength of Russia
and the strength of the spirit of its people. We were surprised by how diverse
and multi-ethnic your country's culture is. It is very interesting that this
was conveyed through dance. Russia was perceived not only through sounds, as we
heard the music, but also through sight — we saw it with our eyes, and we even
danced ourselves — meaning all the senses were involved. It was a complete
immersion," shared Juan Manuel Rincon.
The Colombian essayist took part in the pitching sessions in
the "Investments in Connectivity" track. After the premiere of the
"Khorovod" parable, he added that he saw something in the production
that was very close to his own native culture.
"We are very similar because both Colombia and Russia
are multi-cultural countries. We have various ethnicities, and I believe that
for the future it is especially important to preserve and protect them,
including through art: language, literature, folk music, and dance. It seems to
me that culture is that very bridge that connects people, despite the
geographical differences between our countries," said Juan Manuel Rincon.
Around 300 artists took part in the musical and
choreographic parable "Khorovod". Through the universal languages of
dance and music, understood without translation, they reveal the cultural
wealth of the peoples of our country to the audience. The premiere is timed to
coincide with the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and is aimed at
strengthening inter-ethnic dialogue.
Open Dialogue helps countries understand each other better, jointly develop solutions, and use these ideas for the development.
The similarity of cultures prevents Europeans from feeling like strangers in Russia a participant of the II Open Dialogue.
