Nástio Mosquito on Theft, Identity, and Community at Drodesera Festival

Angolan artist Nástio Mosquito, known for performances, video, music, and poetry, presented 'Respectable Thief' at the Drodesera festival. The work explores theft as a poetic, cultural, and anthropological act, celebrating productive rage. Mosquito, whose work is currently on view at Fondazione Prada in Milan, uses alter-egos when needed. In an interview with Lerato Bereng, he argued that everyone steals—spiritually, genetically, socially, culturally—and that we appropriate what is useful from our heritage. The performance refuses to distinguish right from wrong, leaving the audience to choose what kind of community they want. It also pays homage to expatriates who adopt fictitious identities, like Robin Hoods stealing for a good cause. The interview was part of the Words Breakers project by WorkOfOthers and Centrale Fies, curated by Dalila D’Amico and Chiara Pirri.