kah.na.v’aw: Spirituality, Economy and Politics

The kah.na.v’aw project by the Academy of the Arts of the World uses research and production in Rio de Janeiro and Cologne to explore the multiple dimensions of carnival, with a particular focus on its connections to spirituality, economics, and politics. The project is an expression of Carnival’s enduring power to unite diverse social groups, celebrate cultural heritage, and transcend borders. Under the artistic direction of Adriana Schneider Alcure and Alex Mello, it invites people to dance, sing and reflect through numerous events.

Carnival is not only a popular occasion for celebration in different longitudes and latitudes around the world. Carnival itself is also a socio-political event. From the history of Carnival, one can derive fundamental developments and changes in political and social nature. In addition to Cologne, Cologne’s twin city Rio des Janeiro is also a famous carnival city. Of particular interest in the case of Rio de Janeiro—in relation to carnival—is the connection between the levels of spirituality, economy and politics. The project kah.na.v’aw wants to reflect this connection from Cologne and the Rhineland. Last but not least, the roots of the Brazilian carnival and the migration in Cologne and the Rhineland will be of central importance. 

Until December 2023, workshops, listening sessions, a film programme and a round table, as well as a performative symposium in collaboration with different institutions and migrant associations of Cologne will take place in this context. The project is artistically directed by Adriana Schneider Alcure, who is an ADKDW Academy Member, Founding Member of the carnival association Cordão do Boitatá and professor of theater at the University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), and the Brazilian film and theater director, actor and theater educator Alex Mello, who lives in Cologne and Bonn.

With: Adriana Schneider Alcure, Alex Mello, Black Pearl De Almeida Lima, Coral Vozes Do Brasil, Cordão do Boitatá, Dianna Jacksan, Flávia Berton, Flávia Macêdo, Ivam Cruz ijula, Jota Ramos, Kiko Horta, Lusotaque, Maracatu Colônia, Mauricio Virgens, Muda Outras Economias, Panamérica Transatlântica (Vivi Méndez Moya, Dado Amaral, Gabriela Salomone), Saúva, Taiana Lopes, Thais Nepomuceno, Thiago Rosa, Yá Wanda Araujo, Ylê Asè Egi Omim

In cooperation with the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum and the Center for International Cultural Education of the Goethe-Institut Bonn. Supported by the Kunststiftung NRW.