Jeers, walkouts, stage invasions: will Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists trigger British audiences too?
It has inspired violent protests from Norway to Rome – and now it’s hitting the UK. Playwright Tiago Rodrigues explains why the far-right speech at the drama’s climax has proved so incendiary
TL;DR
- The play 'Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists' has caused protests and interventions from audiences in Germany, Portugal, Italy, Austria, France, and Canada.
- The play's climax features a freed fascist delivering a victory speech, which has led to audiences singing anti-fascist songs, walking out, or attempting to storm the stage.
- Playwright Tiago Rodrigues states that the audience reactions are "typical" and the play aims to explore the paradox of tolerance and the complexities of fighting fascism.
- The play's themes have gained relevance with the rise of far-right politics, particularly in Portugal with the party Chega.
- Rodrigues defends the play's controversial ending, arguing that the victory of the far right is the most troubling and thought-provoking scenario.
- While condemning violence against cast members, Rodrigues sees audience interventions during the fascist speech as a valid, visceral response.