Jessica Teixeira

Venue: HAU2

In “Monga”, Jéssica Teixeira meets Julia Pastrana, who was exhibited as an attraction in so-called “freak shows” in the 19th century. Starting from her own body, Teixeira talks about Pastrana's life and fate and creates a poetic performance with live music.

Brazilian artist Jéssica Teixeira traces the 26-year life of the dancer, performer and singer — a life that was characterized by inhumane working conditions and exploitation and whose body had to serve the colonial and ableistic sensationalism of others even after her death. In doing so, she uses her own body as raw material for the dramaturgy: Illuminated by the glaring glow of a ring light, Teixeira stares back, reflects and exposes the gawkers, keeping the audience in suspense between intimacy, humor and shock. “I'm not afraid of my body. Would you be more comfortable if it was different?” An evening between performance, poetry and a live concert, where one or the other shot of cachaça is of course not to be missed...

Jéssica Teixeira is a Brazilian actress, director, author and producer who, in her artistic work, makes her own body the starting point for dealing with identity and physicality. She has received several awards for her theatre work.

Direction, Dramaturgy & Performance: Jéssica Teixeira/Musical Direction & Guitar: Luma/Zabumba: Juliano Mendes/Video: Çiça Lucchesi/Technical Direction: Jimmy Wong/Production: Rodrigo Fidelis (Corpo Rastreado)

This performance uses flickering images on a screen, a reflecting disco ball, the smell of alcohol, fog, loud music and loud siren noises. Hearing protection is available free of charge at the entrance. There are interactions with the audience: people are addressed by the performers, touched by the hands (front row) and invited to dance, and rum shots are also distributed with a drinking request. Recommended for viewers aged 16 and over.

There are two marked parking spaces in front of the house. Barrier-free sanitary facilities available. There are four relaxed seats available in the front row of HAU2.