Four Must-See Performances at the 2019 Venice Biennale

The 58th Venice Biennale, themed "May You Live in Interesting Times," features a strong performance program. Among the highlights are four works selected by Artribune. At the Catalan Pavilion, Marcel Borràs presents "She appropriates in present," an interactive performance where visitors engage with an actor using materials from a vending machine, exploring the power of public statues. Curated by Pedro Azara, the piece runs May 8–10. At the Turkish Pavilion, İnci Eviner's installation "We, Elsewhere" includes live performances by Canan Yücel Pekiçten and Melih Kıraç titled "Space Occupiers," investigating spaces shaped by collective displacement. Performances occur May 7–10. Angolan artist Nástio Mosquito stages "No.One.Gives.A.Mosquito's.Ass.About.Our.Performance" at the Giardini, a two-hour musical parade questioning power and care, with music by Mosquito, Ndu, and The Available Ones. It runs May 8–11 as part of the official Meetings on Art program. Canadian artist Zadie Xa presents "Grandmother Mago" at the Giardini, a performance blending live drums, dance, costumes, and painted sculptures to explore matrilineal social structures and Asian cultural identity. It alternates with Mosquito's piece, running May 8–12.