[Portrait] Valentina Citterio, doctoral student in Theatre Studies (ICTT), Research-Creation label

What is your research about?

My research focuses on the poetic work of Dominique Fourcadeborn in Paris in 1938, is considered to be one of the most singular artists of recent decades. The link between poetry and dance has been present since his first poems were published. Yet none of his collections has ever been transposed for the stage. It is this possibility of transposition that I am working on, developing in particular my research into the body-text link, gesture and speech.

What are your current scientific activities?

In March 2024, I'll be taking part in two colloquia, one at the University of Limoges, where my contribution on Dominique Fourcade will be published after the colloquium; and the other at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, concerning the contemporary dance creation Chuchotement du bleu, presented at Les Hivernales in May 2023. In April, I'll be taking part in a colloquium at Birkbeck University in London, where I'll be demonstrating the specificity of Dominique Fourcade's poetic work, and in June, I'll be in Quebec to present a contemporary dance solo I'm creating based on Dominique Fourcade's collection Le ciel pas d'angle.

Why did you choose to work in academic research?

I chose to work in university research because, firstly, training through research enables me to continue to develop my analyses of the relationship between two disciplines that have always inspired me. Secondly, my research project gives me the opportunity to make known literature through dance and vice versa to an audience that doesn't necessarily belong to the academic context. Finally, I could become a teacher-researcher, which would allow me to deepen and share my studies with students.

What advice would you give to students who want to do research?

I would tell them to have a convincing project and to develop it with perseverance. To face difficulties without becoming discouraged and, on the contrary, to accept them as a challenge and an opportunity to improve. To have always an open mind and a love of research. 

What object or image from your business best illustrates you?

This is a photo taken during the Festival à Corps de Poitiers (2023), which we took part in with the Compagnie Universitaire de Danse [Hannah et Jean-Henri] directed by Audrey Abonnen (Credits: Jean-François Quais).