Robert Wilson: UBU

Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma presents, UBU, an unprecedented theatrical action directed by the American stage artist, playwright and theatre director Robert Wilson, according to an original idea of Es Baluard Museu director, Imma Prieto.

The work is inspired by the text Ubu Roi, written by Alfred Jarry in 1896, a critique of war and totalitarianism with a grotesque, dictatorial main character that is as relevant today as when it was created, and also by Joan Miró’s research and creations around the universe of Ubu Roi.

This new UBU arises from the curatorial proposal linked to the exhibition Personae: Masks Against Barbarism, which reviews the museum’s collection and is currently on view at Es Baluard Museum. Part of the exhibition is focused on Joan Miró’s fascination with Jarry’s work, which he captured in original drawings and lithographs about Ubu Roi and a set of human-sized puppets, materialised in collaboration with Joan Baixas.

Wilson will activate the characters envisioned by the two creators, Jarry and Miró, offering a contemporary re-reading of the Ubu universe and imaginary.

UBU will take place at Es Baluard Museu between October 15–23, 2022. Tickets will be on sale soon through Es Baluard Museu website.

The project is coproduced with Successió Miró, the Conselleria de Fons Europeus, Universitat i Cultura del Govern de les Illes Balears, Acción Cultural Española, Palma City Council, Festival Grec de Barcelona and the Kunstfest Weimar.