MDLSX
La MaMa in association with
Watson Arts presents the U.S. Premiere of:
MDLSX by Motus Theatre
STARRING THE KINETIC SILVIA CALDERONI
“Silvia Calderoni must be made of mercury, or some improbably liquid element that has yet to be discovered. Surely no body of mortal flesh could undergo the quicksilver transformations achieved by this remarkable performer in “MDLSX,” a perceptions-scrambling work from the Italian revolutionary theater troupe Motus.”
~ Ben Brantley, The New York Times
MDLSX is an 80-minute performance/monologue/ DJ set performed by the award-winning actress Silvia Calderoni, and directed by Motus founders, Enrico Casagrande and Daniela Nicolo. MDLSX weaves autobiography and literary evocations in a wild and fervent paean to the freedom of becoming, to gender-blending, to a being that cannot be contained within the borders of the body, skin color, sexual organs, or boundaries of national identity.
For Motus, best known in New York for Alexis. A Greek Tragedy (Under the Radar/La MaMa) and Nella Tempesta (La MaMa Tempest 3 Series), there is no separation between art and civil engagement. In MDLSX , Silvia Calderoni blurs fiction and reality, as she swings from Judith Butlerʼ works, Gender Trouble and Undoing Gender, to Donna Haraway’s, A Cyborg Manifesto, Paul B. Preciado’s Manifeste Contra-sexuel and other bits of the kaleidoscopic universe of Queer. Silvia Calderoni’s outrageous theatrical trip defies categories, including the artistic ones, in a bravura performance that exists on the edges, visible and invisible, physical and emotional.
About Motus
The name Motus itself evokes an image in movement, with blurred edges that can be confused with the surrounding landscapes… a figure tormented by inflexible internal revolts. It embodies a “cross-eyed” attitude in looking at experiences-knowledge-works of the past to nourish the strategic arsenal of reinvention of the present, in a muddling of forms and languages.
For Motus – founded in 1991 by Enrico Casagrande and Daniela Nicolò – there are no borders, no limits between countries, historical moments or disciplines. No separation between art and civil engagement.
Free thinkers, they bring their shows around the world, working through mixing expressive formats, animated by the necessity to face today’s themes, conflicts andwounds.
About Watson Arts
Watson Arts is a resident company of La MaMa E.T.C. dedicated to original theater with a particular emphasis on women. Under Artistic Director, Mary Fulham, an award- winning playwright and director, Watson Arts develops and produces works that incorporate text, dance, music, media, and performance.
Silvia Calderoni has been working with Motus since 2006. She is winner of the Ubu Prize 2009 for Best Actress Under 30; the Marte Award 2013; the Elizabeth Turroni Award for Best Actress 2014, and the 2015 Virginia Reiter Award for Best Actress under 35. In addition to his work as a performer, Silvia conducts workshops for performers and actors.
PRAISE FOR MDLSX
“Throughout the performance, Calderoni will transform over and over again without ever resting in a place of gender resolution…Calderoni straddles this line with easy virtuosity, in a performance bold, complex, and honest.”
~ Dan O’Neil, Culturebot
“Theatergoers are likely to leave MDLSX exhilarated.”
~ Jonathan Mandell, New York Theater
“BOTTOM LINE: Catch Motus in New York while you can. “
~ Keith Paul Medelis, Theatre is Easy
Special Event
Post-Show Conversation
Sunday, January 10, 2016: Post-Show Conversation with Kate Bornstein & Motus
There will be a special post-show conversation following the 4pm performance of MDLSX with author, playwright, performance artist, and gender theorist. Kate Bornstein and Silvia Calderoni, Enrico Casagrande and Daniela Nicolò of Motus.
This event is free for ticket holders to this performance.