The project

At current consumption rates, it is estimated that by 2050 all the world's oil will be exhausted. Goodbye, internal combustion engines. Goodbye, intercontinental flights. Goodbye, t-shirts for two euros. Since the first oil extraction well on an industrial scale was built in 1859, the progress and growth of humanity have been dangerously associated with this substance. But while the economy was happily growing, oil reserves were declining at the same rythm. Farewell, Petroleum! is a theatre project that, taking the form of the musical requiem as its starting point, wants to approach the convulsive history of this raw material and explore possible collective rituals to say goodbye to a world that will never be like before. We want to attend the collapse with a curious gaze and wet eyes from nostalgia. Like someone who contemplates in awe the last flash of some beautiful fireworks. Farewell! Farewell, my friend!

#1 A party

In a world where gas shortages are the order of the day, two motorists await the advent of a miracle. And while they are waiting they have decided to organize a farewell and thanksgiving celebration. But how can you say goodbye to a bunch of prehistoric corpses? Our relationship with oil has been a big party. Since we met, we’ve been together. We have often argued, but we have always known how to reconcile. In recent decades, the party has gone out of hand. In a capitalist ecstasy, we have lost sight of the world. And now, we have a hangover. Soon they will turn on the disco lights and the crudest reality will be exposed. Who will stand then?

#2 A Farewell

When the end is near, our faith is consolidated. Oil has illuminated us for decades, but it seems that darkness will soon return. Before it’s too late, we want to celebrate and thank all that fossil fuels have done for us. We will make offerings and dances; we will burn everything to cross a portal to an unknown future. In a public square, a group of motorists gather in front of an altar presided over by the figure of oil. With their vehicles they will draw a farewell choreography, a thanksgiving ritual, and burn who knows if they will be the last gallons of gasoline in their lives. Now it is: Farewell, Petroleum!

More info here.

Credits

Cast: Melcior Casals, Magí Coma, Aleix Melé
Concieved and directed: Pau Masaló
Script: Irena Visa & Pau Masaló
Setting and costumes: Laila Rosato
Sound design: Sammy Metcalfe
Light design: Ivan Cascon
Management: Clàudia Robert
Specialist in stunts with motorcycle: Pol Ferrer
Collaborating bikers: Joan Gené Sanz, Ivan Marfil Sende, Carlos Méndez Peleteiro, Alejandro San Miguel Arjona & Associació Motoclàssic Vacarisses (Gaspar Company Crusellas, Xavi Prat Gutiérrez, Javier Santiago Rodríguez, Carles Vidal Ramos)
Pyrothecnics: Pirotècnia Garcia
Trainee: Pablo Cisternas (MUET)
Co-production: Teatre Lliure & Contenidos Superfluos