“Deserto” is being performed at La Salita in the Auditorio de Tenerife as part of the Festival de Otoño. The production is by the Brazilian company Polifônica. Luiz Felipe Reis is responsible for the direction, concept and dramaturgy; he also works as a playwright, researcher and audiovisual artist, and founded the company together with Julia Lund.
The production is inspired by the work and memories of the Chilean author Roberto Bolaño. Rather than adapting his texts directly, it deconstructs and rewrites them for the stage using fragments from novels, interviews and other writings. On stage, Rodrigo Bolzan embodies a multifaceted Bolaño character, navigating the realms of memory, fiction, poetry and politics.
The creative team includes, amongst others, dramaturgical consultancy by José Roberto Jardim, movement direction and physical training by Lavínia Bizzotto, musical direction and sound design by Pedro Sodré and Luiz Felipe Reis, and video by Julio Parente. Lighting was designed by Alessandro Boschini, set design by André Sanches and Débora Cancio, and costumes by Miti. Following the first performance on Friday, there will be a discussion with the audience.
The performance is in Brazilian Portuguese with Spanish surtitles and lasts approximately 80 minutes. It is recommended for those aged 16 and over; admission is permitted from the age of five. Stage smoke and tobacco are used during the performance. The auditorium opens between 15:00 and five minutes before the start; no admission will be permitted once the performance has begun.