{"id":74129,"date":"2022-02-15T11:49:14","date_gmt":"2022-02-15T16:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/?p=74129"},"modified":"2022-02-15T11:54:39","modified_gmt":"2022-02-15T16:54:39","slug":"interview-eric-cesar-de-mello-da-silva-playing-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2022\/02\/15\/interview-eric-cesar-de-mello-da-silva-playing-love\/","title":{"rendered":"INTERVIEW | Eric C\u00e9sar De Mello Da Silva On Playing Love"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Eric
Eric Ce\u0301sar de Mello da Silva in Opera Atelier’s All Is Love (Photo: Bruce Zinger)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eric C\u00e9sar de Mello da Silva plays a key role in Opera Atelier\u2019s upcoming production titled All Is Love<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In short, he is<\/em> Love.<\/p>\n

We caught up with Eric in the busy week leading up to the performance on February 19 and 20 for a quick Q&A.<\/p>\n

Eric C\u00e9sar de Mello da Silva<\/h2>\n

Born in Brazil, Eric studied dance at the Escola Estadual de Danca Maria Olenewa in Rio de Janeiro from 2006 to 2015, and attended the San Francisco Ballet School from 2013 to 2015. From 2015 until 2017, he was an apprentice with the National Ballet of Canada.<\/p>\n

Eric joined the Royal Danish Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet in 2017, where he performed in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker<\/em>, the Symphony of Psalms<\/em> (Ji\u0159\u00ed Kyli\u00e1n), Weimar<\/em> (Nikolaj H\u00fcbbe), Raymonda<\/em> (Nikolaj H\u00fcbbe), among others.<\/p>\n

He first performed with Opera Atelier in 2016 in Dido and Aeneas<\/em> as a guest performer, and again in 2017 in their Medea<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Artists
Artists of Atelier Ballet Rena Seeger, Eric Ce\u0301sar de Mello da Silva, Tyler Gledhill, Julia Sedwick and Xi Yi (Photo: Bruce Zinger)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Q&A<\/h2>\n

As a performer, how have you been coping during the pandemic?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our daily and social life changed completely as a consequence of the pandemic, and just like so many, I felt a need to change my fitness routine. I knew the importance of keeping myself active and in shape, so my way of coping during the pandemic was to engage even more in physical activity. To remain motivated during those times I tried to add an entirely new and unique sport in my weekly plan and that was Octopush, also known as underwater hockey, which has improved my stamina, strengthen my core muscles, and it is very fun to play.<\/p>\n

What was it like preparing for the show when it wasn\u2019t certain you would be able to proceed with a live performance?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Generally speaking, the uncertainty regarding the public health measures and restrictions definitely kept all of us in our toes. Nevertheless, if we were to present our program virtually or not, I wanted to give my all and my best to our beloved audiences, partners and donors. On the whole, I am thrilled and delighted to be performing live once again. The energy that flows in the theatre during a live performance is just [inexplicable] magical.<\/p>\n

How are the rehearsals going in general? Have there been any particular challenges or unexpected joys (or both)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Rehearsals are going great; everyone is very excited to come back to the stage. We are following all COVID security protocols so that we can keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n

What is it like to portray Love? How did you come up with a character or approach that worked?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Love is a feeling and emotion that we all have experienced once, but yet unexplored and very complex for many of us. To portray love, it won\u2019t be all difficult for me, I just need be emotionally and spiritually opened. That is because, once on stage surrounded by the magical theatrical energy, love manifests itself in my heart in an effortless way. We have a great team of designers, musicians, singers and dancers to help set the environment and deliver to our audience the feeling of love. It will be wonderful.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the highlight of the show for you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I am very excited and looking forward to see and hear Meghan Lindsay as M\u00e9lisande.<\/p>\n