Writer and Director: Tiziano Cruz
Soliloquio (I woke up and hit my head against the wall) opens with a call to join an outdoor procession led by theatremaker Tiziano Cruz. As we follow him amidst the traditional attire of Bolivian dance group Salay Pasion, Cruz, dressed in white pants and adorned with an Inca Quipus shoulder piece, invites us to clap along, drawing us into the rhythm of what becomes a protest.
With a megaphone in hand, Cruz introduces himself as a man from San Francisco, Province of Jujuy, Argentina, recounting how he has fled from poverty and violence, only to find himself, as he declares, “violated by the institutions of power.” He challenges the Art Market directly, rejecting Aristotelian conventions as he claims space in a city enriched by the very colonial structures he denounces.
Inside the theatre, we are met with Cruz’s question: “What place does the art of the body have in a country where my body disappears in the face of the longing for a white society?” This question sets the tone for an intellectually rich and thought-provoking performance. Cruz’s text is dense with reflections that weave personal trauma into political critique, and while it is supported by surtitles, even Spanish speakers may find themselves fully absorbed in untangling its layered ideas. The text is balanced with moments of silence and compelling physical and visual imagery that allow the poetic elements of his monologue to fully resonate. The simple yet effective use of each element results in a beautifully executed performance.
Using direct address, Cruz conveys the urgency, passion and raw emotion of his plea for justice while maintaining a warmth that engages the audience. Soliloquio (I woke up and hit my head against the wall) is essential viewing, especially for those who seek an intellectually stimulating experience that challenges and captivates in equal measure.
Runs until 2 November 2024
