AFTER
A TALE OF LOVE, MADNESS,
AND DEATH
'Watching 'After' is like experiencing an inner storm...it is a shock from the core.'
- We Zeng Zhicheng, Performing Arts professor at the Oriental Institute of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan / Pareviews: Taipei performance art forum
Surrounded by dark circumstances on a night of December, 1915, Ana María Cires drank a fatal dose of mercury chloride; a substance used to enhance photographic processing. The poison did not kill her instantly, and she endured terrible hallucinations before dying.
Ana María was married to one of Latin America's most celebrated horror writers, Horacio Quiroga (Uruguay, 1878 - 1937). Ana María and Horacio’s obscure relationship had triggered a curse in their lives; one which extended to their immediate family and those who were close to them for decades to come.
AFTER is a visual performance fused with theatre of objects based on these true events. The creation explores the different theories behind Ana María’s mysterious death.
In AFTER, Ana María’s spirit is confronted with macabre narratives based on her last moments; sinister visions which unfolded just like the horrifying stories that were written by her side.
AFTER is presented in association with:
Dadaiii Artist Collective (in partnership with Oh! Life Association of Art and Culture - OLA), Canadian Trade Office in Taipei and Alberta Taiwan Office
AFTER is presented with the generous support of:
Canada Council for the Arts, Alberta Foundation for the Arts and Calgary Arts Development
Presentations hosted by:
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Taipei Artist Village
Taipei, Taiwan (2018)
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Lantern Church
Calgary, Canada (2018)
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RVK Festival
Reykjavík, Iceland (2022)