Lukas Avendaño is an anthropologist, performer and choreographer. His work explores the intersections between gender, ethnicity, race, and violence in Mexico. Originating from the Zapotec culture of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the state of Oaxaca is Muxe, a gender identity that deviates from binary norms and would leave Kinsey’s head spinning. The Muxe live between the masculinity of their bodies and the social, emotional, and cultural roles typically associated with women.
Réquiem para un alcaraván was created in 2011 and as in the Binnizá culture in Mexico, the muxes live on a sliding scale from masculine to female. Lukas Avendaño, applies this in his work and has been sharing it for over a decade. From the moment the performer arrives at the back of the house dressed as a bride wearing an exquisite dress and carrying a beautiful bouquet, the audience feels that this is something out of the ordinary. The performer makes a stately tour of the stage and then finds different manners in which to include the audience in the process of the performance.
There were a great many magical moments; my favourite was a waltz with an audience member in a snowfall. Another was the gift of the bouquet to an astonished member of this privileged audience. The incandescence of the performance lit up the small theatre at the Centaur, and created a magnificent erotic connection between the muxe and the public.
This performer discovered so many ways in which to connect the public to the work and the delightful eroticism of this piece. At one point there are wide ribbons of colorful crepe connecting the audience about four rows up, with a banner held up by a member of the public sitting upstage. The subsequent use of the ribbons and the symbolism of the dance which ensues is magical.
Unfortunately there were few performances and now we have only the memory of this remarkable work of theatre. Viva Mexico y viva Oaxaca!!!
Réquiem para un alcaraván was at the Centaur theatre as part of the Festival Transamériques from June 7 – 9. The FTA ended June 10, but for info about next year’s FTA, click HERE. For shows at the Centaur click HERE.
