29.05 — 01.06
MEXA São Paulo
The Last Supper
theatre / performance — premiere
| Portuguese → NL, FR, EN | ⧖ +-1h30 | €20 / €16 | May contain nudity
Last year, MEXA was one of the revelations of the festival. Founded in 2015 after outbreaks of violence in São Paulo’s homeless shelters, the collective resides in Casa do Povo, a revolutionary Jewish cultural centre. Over the years, some members of MEXA have gone, and some think they might be gone soon. But when they are gone, what does it mean to see the group as a way to keep their memory and teachings alive? Starting from the structure of the Last Supper of Jesus, MEXA creates a banquet performance about the duty to tell the stories of those no longer with us. Around a long table, the group prepares for the departure of one member – or perhaps the end of the group – while sharing food with spectators at the table and in the tribune. In a dramaturgy of dishes and narration, the lives of MEXA members intertwine with religious references to the Last Supper: the imminent transformation of the body of Christ and the path of gender transition for some; the new presence of evangelical churches in Brazil; the precariousness of life; and the promise we make to carry on each other’s story – as new evangelists – if something were to happen. MEXA distorts theatre into a festive atmosphere at their own Last Supper; an explosive moment of union that renews a vow of solidarity.
Presentation: Kunstenfestivaldesarts, La Balsamine
Creation: MEXA | Direction and dramaturgy: João Turchi | Performers and co-creators: Aivan, Alê Tradução, Anita Silvia, Daniela Pinheiro, Dourado, Patrícia Borges, Suzy Muniz, Tatiane Arcanjo | Video performer, video creation and technical direction: Laysa Elias | Direction and movement assistant: Lucas Heymanns | Soundtrack and sound design: Podeserdesligado | Light design: Iara Izidoro | Producter and art director: Lu Mugayar | Executive producer: Francesca Tedeschi | Costume design: Anuro Anuro e Cacau Francisco | Scenography: Vão | Posture and gesture: Daniela Pinheiro | Vocal direction: Dourado | Dramaturgical collaboration: Gustavo Colombini | Research and artistic advisor: Guilherme Giufrida
Production: MEXA | Coproduction: Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Casa do Povo
Special thanks: Esponja, Benjamin Serousse, Marcela Amaral, Felipe Martinez, Olivia Ardui
