The word utopia comes from Greek. It is a compound between ou (not) and topos (place), meaning ‘a place that does not exist. It is a concept of an ideal civilization, wondrous and imaginary. It is a fantasy, a reverie, or even a dream. Diving into the utopia of a performance is escaping normality, and even reality. The theater troupe De Pernas Pro Ar created its very own system and universe in Automákina – Universo Deslizante.

In the performance, man’s relationship with time, technology and music is marked by a giant machinery with abstract shape, made up of different beings (fish, cow and bird) and controlled by a character, Conde de Hosain’g.

The art installation can be perceived under different aspects. It can be seen as a representation of our daily routines (work, family, etc.) or as a reflection on the world of ideas and beliefs, life after death, and other existential mysteries.

Seems a bit weird? Indeed, it is. Check out the video for a better grasp of the performance’s proposal and its bond with the audience.

Guilherme Luiz de Carvalho, Danilo Cava and Anderson Carvalho, Sesc Online Editors