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.
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.
Qualifications
To be considered a show must 1. Be registered in the HFF 2. Seemingly have “Duende” as agreed upon by the committee from the show’s description on the Fringe website and their marketing.
Methodology
The Vagrancy employs our ensemble for 10 work hours each in the search for a production, actor, director, or designer with Duende Distinction. This year there are eleven people on the committee including Artistic Director, Caitlin Hart. Hart puts together a list of productions she thinks would qualify and the committee searches for shows as well. The committee see’s the shows that are interested in being considered and report back to Hart and each other if they have seen something that they believe could garner the award. Once the recommendations are given, Hart sees the shows and comes up with a list of top 3 candidates on which they all confer and vote.
Reward
A painting made by Artist Zach Brown http://www.zachbart.com/ inspired by the play. The painting will be custom-made on a small canvas with acrylic.
