Final Act/Acto final

2017


Final Act is a performance piece,  in which a soprano sings The International, the working-class anthem. First created in France at the end of 19th century as a left-wing anthem, The International is sung in Cuba in Communist Party events or any massive march as symbol of union. 

During the opening the singer performed the first lyrics from the balcony that overlooks the central courtyard of the institution, leading the audience to the second floor and then, proceeded to move to a larger room where she ended the performance.

The way the anthem is sung, the dress and the context, all together subvert, the original meaning of the song and, therefore, imply the end of the socialist utopia in a totalitarian context. In a setting where the idea of community imposed by the government is changing into a more individualist one, Final Act represents the failure of the socialist project.