Memory, madness, or manifesto? Enter the shadow world of the Obscene Madame D. with Theatre Kantanka, an immersive and spellbinding environment of binaural sound, hand-crafted animation, and gripping live theatre.

Iconoclastic Brazilian writer Hilda Hilst’s hallucinatory novel has been called “shocking, exquisite, mesmerizing, metaphysical” and “like Kafka but with the laugh of the Medusa”.

For this daring new adaptation, the audience wears wireless headphones to directly inhabit the psychological landscape of grieving recluse, Madame D., living below the stairs after the death of her husband. As she ponders ineffable questions both familiar and absurd, we share the atmospheric sounds and intimate voices of Madam D.’s insurrectionary life and mind.

Katia Molino commands a singular, unforgettable performance as the taboo-challenging woman living out her final days in fiery poetic prose and passionate debate—with herself, her god and her ghosts.

Photography by Heidrun Löhr.

Premiere Season

Parramatta Riverside Theatres 19 – 21 April

107 Projects 23 – 27 May