Mercedes máis eu is a work born from the collaboration between artist Janet Novás and composer Mercedes Peón, focusing on the relationship between dance and music. The two artists bring to the stage their desire for collaboration and encounter, a constant reuniting in experiences that touch affection and memory. Objects, sound, and movement become tools to tell stories, memories, and emotions. A journey unfolds, intertwining the personal and the collective, politics and society, rhythm and silence, sound and gesture.
Janet Novás is a dancer, creator, actress, and teacher who has lived in Barcelona since 2020, where she was selected as a resident artist for two years at El Graner Fábrica de Creació with her latest production Proto (SN1806). Since 2007, she has developed solo projects, creating a personal language that explores the body as the main tool, blending emotional content and aesthetic simplicity. She has received several awards, including the “Goya for Best Emerging Actress” (2024) for the film O Corno by Jaione Camborda, the “El Ojo CrÃtico de Danza” Award (2021), and the Catalan Critics Award for Best Dancer for Mercedes mais eu (2021). Her works have been presented at major international festivals such as Rencontres Chorégraphiques, Festival de Marseille, and FIDCU (Montevideo). She has collaborated with artists such as Mercedes Peón, with whom she created Mercedes mais eu, and fashion designers Zap&Buj for Imaginé cinco cuerpos y ninguno era el mÃo (2019). Janet alternates her work as a dancer, creator, and actress with teaching in centers across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Mercedes Peón, born in 1967 in Oza dos Rios (A Coruña), developed a passion for Galician music and traditions from a young age, particularly the singing of the “Pandereteras.” At 17, she began collecting songs and dances to pass on to future generations. She has taught at local schools and international universities and has collaborated with artists such as Xosé Manuel Budiño, Alasdair Fraser, and Kepa Junquera. Peón is also known for her music in the TV series Mareas Vivas (1998-2003). Her first solo album Isué (2000) blends Galician tradition with modern influences, and her powerful voice became her trademark. She continued to innovate with albums like Airú (2003) and Sihá (2007), also collaborating with theater, dance, and film. Despite international recognition, Peón remains a niche artist in Galicia.
Direction Janet Novás
Creation & interpretation Mercedes Peón y Janet Novás
Dramaturgy Ricardo Santana
Adviser Pablo Esbert
Musical composition, concept & lyrics Mercedes Peón
Lighting design Cristina BolÃvar
Sound Ezequiel Orol
Costume Juanita RodrÃguez
Production Adriana Reyes
With the support of Comunidad de Madrid
With the support of Centro Danza Canal, Graner Centro de Creació, Sede Losdedae, compañÃa residente en Alcalá de Henares
Thanks to Jorge Rúa, Virginia Rota,Eduardo Bonito,Celso Giménez, Beatriz Calatrava, Lipi Herández y Laura Kumin.
