the importance of being simone de beauvoir
performance
simone de beauvoir (1908–1986) was a french existentialist philosopher, writer, social theorist, and feminist activist. she wrote novels, essays, biographies, autobiographies, and monographs on philosophy, politics, and social issues. she had a significant influence on both feminist existentialism and feminist theory.
bonneville’s encounter with de beauvoir’s debut novel, ‘she came to stay,’ marked the genesis of a lasting influence that permeates all their subsequent projects. de beauvoir’s exploration of fundamental themes such as autobiography, politics, feminism, gender, sexuality, existentialism, and death resonates deeply with bonneville’s own artistic endeavors. while approaching these subjects through distinct lenses, both share a common ethos rooted in the pursuit of truth and the transformative power of culture. for both, literature became a lifeline, rescuing them from despair in their formative years.
credits
director and performer: mi̶g̶u̶e̶l̶ bonneville. original soundtrack: susana santos silva. sound design: blackbambi. costume design: mariana sá nogueira. lighting design: nuno patinho. dramaturgic support: joão manuel de oliveira. visual content: joana linda. press office: rita tomás. executive production: cristina correia. production: horta seca associação cultural. artistic residencies: arts printing house, balleteatro, arte y desarollo, azala and la fundición. this project was financed by governo de portugal/secretaria de estado da cultura/dgartes and la fundicíon.
premiere
17th – 18th of november 2014, la fundición bilbao, spain
tour
5th of july 2017, mostra performatus #2, santos, brazil
16th of november 2015, teatro di vetro festival, rome, italy
14th – 18th of january 2015, negócio – zdb, lisbon, portugal