This event is wheelchair accessible.
This event has induction loop.
Multilingual, Portuguese (English and German surtitles)
In a free adaptation of the scandalous novella Story of the Eye by Georges Bataille, Brazilian theatre-maker Janaina Leite explores the relationship between pornography and theatre – a central theme in her work. With 15 performers (both amateurs and people working in the sex industry, she investigates vulgarity, sexuality, queerness, mindfulness, and power. At the centre are three teenagers in search of their first sexual experiences [intimate discoveries] – a provocative theatre evening for adults.
Janaina Leite fundamentally shifts the perspective of Bataille’s work: again and again, the question “What is your relationship to pornography?” comes to the foreground, linking the literary source with personal stories and reflections of the participants. Within a mindful setting, a dense, atmospheric work unfolds into an intense and immersive celebration.
“One of the Most Surprising Avant-Garde Works of Theater" (New York Times)
Language: Multilingual, Portuguese (English and German surtitles)
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
This performance is recommended for ages 18 and up. Upon entry, attendees must provide proof that they are at least 16 years old.
30.8: Aftertalk after the performance
In Cooperation with the Festival La Bâtie – Festival de Genève
Part of Theaterfestival Basel
Biografie
Janaina Leite
She is an actress, director, dramaturg, and postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Communication and Arts at USP (University of São Paulo). She is one of the founders of the theater group Grupo XIX de Teatro in São Paulo, with which she has created several award-winning productions that have toured nationally and internationally. In parallel with her work with the group, she conceived the productions “Festa de Separação: um documentário cênico,” “Conversas com meu Pai,” and “Stabat Mater” (winner of the 2020 Shell Prize for Dramaturgy) and published the book “Autoescrituras performativas: do diário à cena” with Editora Perspectiva, thereby consolidating her research on autobiography and documentary form in theater. Additionally, she published the dramaturgy of the plays “Conversas com meu Pai” (text by Alexandre Dal Farra) and “Stabat Mater” with Editora Javali.
Continuing her exploration of theater and pornography, which began with “Stabat Mater,” she created “Camming 101 Noites” (a virtual performance developed as part of PROAC LAB) and “Story of the Eye”—a porn-noir fairy tale funded by the 13th edition of the Zé Renato Theater Fund and co-produced by MITsp. In 2024, she premiered “Deeper,” supported by the “Arte no Metaverso” grant from Itaú Cultural. This work had previously been presented in a work-in-progress format at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, the Santiago a Mil Festival in Chile, and the Mix Brasil Festival in São Paulo. Leite also leads research groups, courses, and lectures and curates events throughout Brazil, in addition to the “Laboratórios Autorais” (Authorial Laboratories), which she has been developing since 2012 and in which she has accompanied numerous artistic processes. The artist was a visiting researcher at MITsp in 2020, during which several initiatives were focused on her research.
Credits
Concept, Direction, Playwriting, and Performance – Janaina Leite
Playwriting and Assistant Direction – Lara Duarte and André Medeiros Martins
Performers – André Medeiros Martins, Armr’Ore Erormray, Carô Calsone, Cusko, Ian Figlioulo, Georgia Vitrilis,
Isabel Soares, Lucas Scudellari, Ultra Martini, Vini The Kid, and Tadzio Veiga Suspension – Pombo Morcego,
Darktitah, Pam and guest performers
Sound Arrangement, Design, and Operator– Renato Navarro
Lighting Operator – Felipe Tchaça
Stage Director - Leticia Karen
Production Management and Distribution - Ariane Cuminale
