Who is Matteo Fargion?
I am a composer and performer, who has worked in dance and theatre for the past 30 years.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I might open a small restaurant – cheap and cheerful, no menus, no choice.
Who inspires you and why?
Any artist who works quietly and rigorously at something without much in being successful. The Canadian composer Martin Arnold, for instance, or the work of Norwegian Mette Edvardsen, whom I recently worked with.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
No idea. I just plod on trying not to do too much harm.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
There’s a little village called Lefokastro on the Pelion peninsula in Greece that I discovered 20 years ago. It hasn’t changed too much and we’ve had fantastic family holidays there nearly every year.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I try to get visitors out of the house, usually by sending them to the National Gallery.
What are you currently reading?
Karl Ove Knausgaard’s 3600 page autobiographical novel My Struggle. He’s hailed as the Norwegian Proust. Well, he’s nowhere near as good, but it’s very addictive.
What are you currently listening to?
I don’t listen to a lot of music at the moment, but when I do it’s more often than not 19th Century and Germanic.
Happiness is?
Tagliatelle with fresh porcini followed by a grilled veal chop, and a bottle of Barbera.
What does the future hold for you?
I’d like to think it might involve staying at home more…
Situated somewhere between dance, music, live art and comedy, the work of choreographer Jonathan Burrows and composer Matteo Fargion is intellectually provocative and delightful. Melbourne audiences will have the opportunity to experience four of their works (Both Sitting Duet & Body Not Fit For Purpose / Cheap Lecture & The Cow Piece) over two days at Dancehouse: 6 – 7 May 2017. For more information, visit: www.dancehouse.com.au for details.
Image: Matteo Fargion – photo by Dorothea Tuch