Janaina Leite's 'História do Olho' Blends Theater and Pornography at Kunstenfestival 2026

At the Kunstenfestival 2026 in Brussels, Brazilian director Janaina Leite presents 'História do Olho' ('Histoire de l’œil'), a theatrical adaptation of Georges Bataille's erotic novel. The performance runs from May 21 to 24 at the Halles de Schaerbeek. Leite, a leading figure in Brazilian theater, explores the intersection of theater and pornography through the story of three adolescents' sexual explorations. The production features twelve performers, including professional and amateur actors as well as sex workers, who engage the audience in a mix of theatrical narrative, music, and live pornographic scenes. The piece aims to address themes of shame, desire, taboo, and will, using performative transgression to foster understanding and consent. Critics have described it as one of the most surprising avant-garde works of theater. The show contains nudity, references to sexual violence, live sex scenes, and body suspension, and is restricted to ages 18 and over.