Review by William Chan
Comuna de Pedra’s (“Stone Commune”) sixth edition of the “TODOS Fest! Inclusive Arts Festival” concluded on Sunday. I had the chance to participate in one of its standout events, “Noon Disco.”
Based on a previous interview* I had with the local organisation, I knew the concept was special. By recreating the vibrant disco culture of the 70s and 80s, “Noon Disco” aims to do more than just evoke collective memories for the “silver-haired generation.”
Jenny Mok, the festival’s director, also noted that the gig aimed to actively encourage them to stay engaged and relive their “glory days” through familiar music. “We hope that through the simple act of dancing, they can feel vibrant again and reconnect with their younger selves.”
I initially thought “Noon Disco” was a performance designed for the elderly, where we, the audience, would watch them perform. But that wasn’t the case. Instead, we were invited to dance. After a brief introduction to signature, easy-to-follow moves from an instructor, the audience became the life of the party.
The event was held at M8, a mall near the city’s main square, Largo do Senado, and I attended Saturday’s evening session. The space was well-decorated – simple, yet it matched my imagination of what a disco would feel like. I say feel because I had never actually been to one before, and only had some clues of what a disco is based on movies.
I had imagined dancing in front of a group of strangers would be awkward, but it wasn’t that evening. The lighting was dim, with the signature disco ball flashing over the venue, and the vibe quickly took over. It was easy to let loose and just follow the groove. Over the course of the one-and-a-half-hour session, I found myself dancing to nearly every song. Participants, from young children to the elderly, danced alongside each other, fully immersed in the atmosphere and moving to their own physical limits.
It was one of those rare events where success feels effortless: simple, effective, engaging, nostalgic for some, and accessible to all. It also aligned perfectly with Comuna de Pedra’s philosophy of inclusivity.
* https://macaupostdaily.com/news/27646
Participants dance in M8 mall’s ballroom during the weekend’s “Noon Disco”. – Photos provided by Comuna de Pedra
