Premier Stratagème (FR) & Omnibus (HR)
Barbara Matijević is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in languages and literature, graduating from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb. She studied dance at the Hypaxis Dance Centre in New Hampshire and the International Centre for Dance and Performing Arts "Athens" in Zagreb. Since 2003, Barbara has been creating her own pieces while collaborating with various artists as a dancer and actress across France, Croatia, Slovenia, and Belgium.
Her ongoing artistic partnership with Giuseppe Chico has resulted in eight performances showcased at prestigious venues throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Barbara's work examines the impact of digital culture on storytelling through innovative formats, including auto-fictional performances and installations. She has taught at various institutions, including the Helsinki Academy of Fine Arts and the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Arts, and recently created a solo for ballet dancer Coralie Levieux at Opéra de Lyon in 2022.
Giuseppe Chico was born in Bari, Italy, where he began his theater career with the Abeliano Company. He later collaborated with Kismet Theater and worked as a set designer with notable artists such as Paolo Baroni. After studying theater in Rome and Milan, he moved to Paris in 2000 to train in contemporary dance with prominent figures such as Joao Fiadeiro, Vera Montero, and Julyen Hamilton.
As a performer, Giuseppe worked with the company Mille Plateaux Associés and collaborated with renowned choreographers and theater directors like George Appaix and Anja Hempel. In 2007, he partnered with Barbara Matijević to establish the company Premier Stratagème, co-directing all of their productions. Their work has reached over 40 countries and has been presented in various venues, including theaters, film festivals, and art galleries. Alongside his artistic practice, Giuseppe is committed to exploring themes of communication, movement, and the integration of diverse artistic forms.
Barbara and Giuseppe have received multiple awards for their innovative contributions to contemporary performance, including the Special Prize for I AM 1984 at the INFANT festival in 2008 and the Special Jury Prize for FORECASTING at the 56th International Theatre Festival MESS in 2016. In 2023, they received the Creator and Performer Award for FORECASTING at TÁNC Nemzetközi Kortárs Fesztivál.
Work presented at the Moving Balkans Showcase 2025: SCREENAGERS Vol.2
