THE DUENDE DISTINCTION
Sponsored by The Vagrancy
Description
The Vagrancy produces work with that ineffable something, duende. A duende is a fairy- or goblin-like mythological creature from Iberian, Latin American and Filipino folklore. As Federico Garcia Lorca uses the term, it equates the fairy to a realm of being that has a heightened state of emotion, expression, and authenticity. It’s the spirit of evocation, it’s what gives you chills when you listen to a beautiful piece of music.
Qualifications
According to Lorca, duende has four main characteristics: irrationality, earthiness, a heightened awareness of death, and a dash of the diabolical. Any production, actor, director, or designer may qualify for the Duende Distinction. We are looking for work that has soul above all and the ability to move the human spirit.
Methodology
The Vagrancy employs our ensemble for 10 work hours each in the search for a production, actor, director, playwright or designer with Duende Distinction.
Co-Artistic Directors Caitlin Hart and Sabina Ptasznik put together a list of productions they think would qualify. Our “social butterflies” (a team of 11) sign up for the shows, reporting back to the Co-Artistic Directors if they have seen something that they believe could garner the award. Once the recommendations are given, the Co-Artistic Directors go to see the shows and come up with a list of top 3 candidates on which they confer and vote.
Reward
Each winner receives an original painting inspired by your play. The painting will be custom-made on a large canvas with acrylic.
