Jéssica Teixeira

Austrian premiere

“Death squads, Ku Klux Klan, and neo-Nazis don’t exist, because reality resists,” says the opening song of this award-winning, tender yet challenging piece by Brazilian artist Jéssica Teixeira. Monga conjures the story of Mexican Julia Pastrana, who was exploited as an “Ape Woman,” among other names, in 19th century freak shows and whose stuffed corpse was on display until the late 20th century. In a work as disturbing as it is enchanting, alienating and humorous at the same time, Teixeira confronts the sensationalist, objectifying gaze on the marginalised bodies of “others.” Meanwhile, a swinging disco ball duels with the glaring light-ring attached to her head. Monga entwines live concert, narrative, and performance, unsettling with its transgressive intimacy, while full of empathy for an unbridled and vulnerable life. “This is a freak show – but my life is not a f***ing freak show – motherf***eeeeeeeeeers!”

Director, playwright & actress: Jéssica Teixeira | Art direction: Chico Henrique | Music direction & guitar: Luma | Technical direction & lighting design: Jimmy Wong | Stand-in for lighting setup and operation: Dara Duarte | Video/photography direction: Ciça Lucchesi | Body preparation: Castilho | Zabumba: Juliano Mendes | Stage manager: Aristides Olivera | Producers: Rodrigo Fidelis, Gabi Gonçalves & Khazar Masoumi-Corpo Rastreado | International distribution: Corpo a Fora and Farofa | Sign language performer: Pam Eden

Content note: Use of stroboscope, nudity, themes of violence, death, ableism and experiences of racism.