Inspiring Women : November 2020

“My composers” were born at the end
of nineteenth century and outlived two
world wars. At war, human beings are
against one another and in pandemic
times, we were all together facing it. (A
huge difference, I reminded myself
often those days). Every evening, we
were all at our windows at 8:00 pm
sharp to grant an applause to those
who worked taking care of their fellow
citizens. Many of us longed for that
moment, to smile at each other and
exchange looks, that we might not see
again but we would not forget.
Lockdown and its isolation refreshed my view on the life and work of “my composers.” How does one
live in creative – and at times, social – isolation in a purely masculine, even macho, environment?
Which contradictions did this trigger in my characters and in their work? How much it tastes like
victory - the recognition and gratitude from the audience, and of a few male peers able to detach
themselves from their own narcissism to admit a woman’s talent. Meeting my composers on a daily
basis while working on the play gave me strength. I finished “Female Voices” during lockdown, and it
is now waiting to let its voice be heard.
COVID-19’s effects brought consequences in my projects. Performances, as well as the filming of a
movie, were cancelled. So were all the opera performances I would have attended as a theater coach
for classical singers. Another change came, and in June, as soon as borders opened again in Europe,
my family left Barcelona to move to Berlin.
As I write this lockdown is behind us, and we all had to learn a new way of interacting: wearing
masks, keeping at a distance, being in small groups. Countries restarted economic activities, but with
consequences. But what about the performing arts that keep waiting?
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on.” Art has the noble task of raising the soul. Thanks to it we
have access to the unique dimension in which only the soul vibrates. And from this we cannot
confine ourselves.
(N.B. This article was written prior to Germany's new COVID restrictions put in place on November 2, 2020)
Verónica Isola was born and raised in Buenos
Aires, Argentina to a family with European roots.
After receiving her degree in Drama from the
University of Arts, she moved to first to Rome,
then Paris – her home for 15 years - and then
Barcelona. At present, she is living in Berlin
where she is happy to have joined the American
Women’s Club. She is an actress, director and a
theater coach for classical singers. She has
experience in cinema, theater, commercials, TV,
dubbing and voice-overs. Her company, Argos
Theater, creates dramaturgy inspired by both
classical and contemporary pieces. The plays are
presented in theaters and festivals as well as
more unconventional places: art galleries,
museums, and private residences.
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