Piero Manzoni’s “Artist’s Shit” inspires a musical
The Sala BARTS presents a musical version of the story behind Manzoni’s 1961 installation consisting of 90 tins of faeces
In 1961 conceptual artist Piero Manzoni presented an installation entitled Artist’s Shit as a clear attack on the dynamics of the art world. In his critique Manzoni suggested that a humble tin of food signed by a renowned artist would automatically increase its value, and proceeded to manufacture a total of 90 units.
This act of creation has now been recaptured in a homonymous musical by the creators of the hit musical Pegados (Stuck). Artist’s Shit won four awards out of thirteen nominations for the Broadway World Spain Awards and breaks with just about every established norm by inciting provocation, breaking what is known in theatrical circles as the fourth wall and, above all, prompting much hilarity.
Inspired by the biography of Piero Manzoni, the musical is designed as a critique of the banality and vanity of the art world and, in order to tell the story of and motivation behind the installation, is set in Italy during the 1960s in a period in which both artistic discourse and the art market were undergoing significant rupture and evolution.
The artistic context is enhanced by the inclusion of a generous tribute to the classic musicals and Italian songs of the middle of the last century, all interpreted with unbridled humour and featuring exquisite costumes. Aided by a well-crafted storyline, the hilarious musical stars six actors and two musicians and will open in the Sala BARTS over the Christmas period.
Merda d’artista
From December 26th to January 11th, except December 29th, 30th, 31th and January 1st, 5th and 7/01
From € 20
Sala BARTS