Cortés to Present "Violento Afrodito" at Leal Theater
Renowned Andalusian stage artist Alberto Cortés presents "Violento Afrodito," an immersive, experimental performance at the Leal Theater that places audiences on the same level as the performer to explore themes of desire and inner turmoil.
On January 29, stage creator Alberto Cortés will present "Violento Afrodito." This performance is designed for unusual venues, putting the audience on the same level as the performer. There's no traditional stage, creating a close, almost ritual-like atmosphere.
"Violento Afrodito" is part of "Danza en Breve," a monthly series organized by LAV-Canarias (Laboratory of Live Arts and Citizenship of the Canary Islands). This program, held at the Leal Theater, supports new artistic styles, experimental theater, and direct interactions between artists and the public.
The show uses original texts that come from the body and spoken word, with very little technical support. Cortés asks the audience to gather around him to experience a "verbal diaspora" – a scattering of words – where feelings like desire, fragility, and inner turmoil are explored through a broken, very personal story.
"Violento Afrodito" doesn't feature a character named Afrodito. Instead, Afrodito represents a state of being – an emotional and symbolic space that has appeared in Cortés's recent works, including "El Ardor" (2021), "One Night at the Golden Bar" (2022), and "Analphabet" (2024). This new performance takes a moment to reflect on these past creations. The show is divided into simple, almost childlike sections, covering themes from being unable to speak to death, and journeys through forests, beaches, or conversations with ghosts.
Alberto Cortés is known as one of the most distinctive stage artists in contemporary Andalusia. His work blends performance art, spoken word, theater, and poetic acts. He uses a unique style to explore desire, identity, and vulnerability from a deeply personal viewpoint. He has showcased his pieces at many festivals and contemporary art events, building a career known for its strong emotions and bold artistic choices.
"Violento Afrodito" has previously been shown at the Poetas 2024 Festival at La Casa Encendida and at Happening Vol. #3 at the Olympic Stadium in Seville. Its inclusion in "Danza en Breve" highlights LAV-Canarias' dedication to theatrical works that go beyond traditional forms and turn shared spaces into places for poetic and political experiences.