The Intersection of Sacred Ritual and Scathing Monologue

A Brutal Yet Beautiful Struggle of the Soul Offering Itself as a Sacrifice

Spanish multidisciplinary artist and theater director Angélica Liddell presents Liebestod.

El olor a sangre no se me quita de los ojos. Juan Belmonte, a work inspired by the legendary Spanish bullfighter Juan Belmonte and the “Liebestod” scene from Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde.

Renowned for her unique theatrical language, Angélica Liddell has carved out an unparalleled position in contemporary theater. She explores existential human suffering and pressing social issues, intertwining them with Catholic mysticism and acts of self-sacrificial performance, continuously questioning the essence of art.

This production delves into the boundaries between love and death, art and spirituality, immersing the audience in a deeply philosophical and intense experience. The title, “The smell of blood does not leave my eyes,” references a quote by painter Francis Bacon, known for his raw and visceral depictions of pain and despair. Additionally, the play summons figures such as Romanian philosopher Emil Cioran and French poet Arthur Rimbaud, along with various themes, onto the stage, depicting a spiritual journey that explores the tragic beauty and the essence of human existence.

Blending refined mise-en-scè ne with performances imbued with frenzied intensity, Angélica Liddell’s stage becomes a desperate outcry in a theater world that has lost its spirituality and transcendence. It offers audiences a profoundly intense encounter with the fundamental questions of existence.

Angélica Liddell

A globally renowned Spanish playwright, director, and performer. For over 30 years, she has created radical and visually stunning theatrical works. She founded the Atra Bilis company in 1993, and her works are known for reflecting inner torment in response to the world’s evils and violence. She boasts an impressive list of accolades, including

the Silver Lion Award at the 2013 Venice Biennale and the title of Chevalier de l’odre des Arts et des Lettres in 2017. Critics describe her works as “brilliant, uncompromising, and taboo-breaking,” characterized by “vibrant and excessive imagery.” She has been nicknamed “The Fury of Spain” and “The Monster from Madrid.” She has presented over nine productions at the Avignon Festival. Her notable works include The Scarlet Letter, You are my destiny and La casa de la fuerza.

Text, direction, set design, and costumes

Angélica Liddell

With

Angélica Liddell, Gumersindo Puche, Palestina de los Reyes, Patrice Le Rouzic and others

Lighting

Mark Van Denesse

Sound

Antonio Navarro

Habit de lumière(Torero Costume)

Justo Algaba

Stage management

Nicolas Guy, Michel Chevallier

Production director

Gumersindo Puche

Production

Atra Bilis Teatro, NTGent