Ex Machina

©Bruno Simão

by Catarina Vieira and Solange Freitas

This performance is the result of a research on the different representations of deus ex machina, in literature, theatre and cinema, to rethink this effective and spectacular dramaturgical mechanism. We worked on the concept of cover to recreate and transform some of these deus ex machina appearances. The quote of the scenes chosen was explicit, seeing that we wanted to explore how the different narratives associated to these appearances reflect and build a collective historical discourse on the concept of Salvation, of Solution. Our goal was to transform subjectively these narratives making them more subversive and even more fantastic. Therefore, we worked the material with a superlative approach, seeking to increase what these narratives already had of absurd and spectacular.

Presented at Mala Voadora (Oporto), in 2014 and Festival Temps d’Images (Lisbon), in 2015.

Artistic Direction, creation, text and acting: Catarina Vieira e Solange Freitas
Video: Carlos Conceição
Set Design and Costumes:Tiago Cadete e Tiago Pinhal Costa
Sound Design: Black Bambi
Light Design: Rui Monteiro

Production: Vertigo - Associação Cultural
Artistic Residencies: Mala Voadora (Porto)
Support: Artistas Unidos, Companhia Olga Roriz, Comuna – Teatro de Pesquisa, Eira
Funding: Programa Língua e Cultura Portuguesas – Teatro / Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian