A choreographic myth by INSÉKTA
M a t a d o r a
MATADORA is a devised choreographic work by INSÉKTA that began with the question: what does rage look like in the body?
The work traces the emergence and mutation of suppressed Latiné rage — a force of dignity, agency, and self-possession.
Developed through multiple iterations in Chicago, MATADORA summons an archetype that refuses domestication.
DEVELOPMENT
MATADORA has evolved through multiple public iterations in Chicago. MATADORA V1 Columbia College Chicago — May 2025 MATADORA V2 Synapse Arts New Works — June 2025 MATADORA V1 Scratch Night (Destinos Edition) Physical Theater Festival — October 2025 The project is currently developing toward its first full-length premiere in Fall 2026.
CREDiTS & COLLABORATORS
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— Presenter
Commissioned by The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago for the Faculty/Alumni Spring Concert on May 8th and 9th, 2025
— Creative & Production Team
Director, Choreographer & Dramaturge: INSÉKTA
Costume, Light & Make Up Design: INSÉKTA
Lighting Technician / Board Operator: Anna Schultz-Breef
Make-Up Associate: CJ Triche
Performers: Sophie Daker, Lola Jett-Beachley and CJ Triche
Rehearsal Support: Rachel Damon
— Sound Design
Sound Design: INSÉKTA
Sound Editor: Aberto Mendoza
Music: Features tracks by Arca, Dengue Dengue Dengue, and GA31.
Music Disclaimer: For research, workshop, and educational performance purposes only. All rights reserved to the original artists.
— Media Team
Photography: Julie Lucas
Archival Footage: Jane Jerardi
Videographer for IG Reels: Alberto Mendoza
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— Presenter
Commissioned by Synapse Arts for New Works 2026.
— Creative & Production Team
Director, Choreographer & Dramaturge: INSÉKTA
Costume, Light & Make Up Design: INSÉKTA
Lighting Technician / Board Operator: Rachel Damon
Make-Up Associate: CJ Triche
Performers: CJ Triche
Production Support: Rachel Damon
— Sound Design
Sound Design: INSÉKTA
Sound Editor: Aberto Mendoza
Music: Features tracks by Arca, Rawayana, Akapellah.
Music Disclaimer: For research, workshop, and educational performance purposes only. All rights reserved to the original artists.
— Media Team
Photography: Mathew Gregory Hollis
Archival Footage: Mat Griffo
Videographer: Alberto Mendoza
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— Presenter
Selected for the Scratch Night 2025 - Destinos Edition, presented by the International Physical Theater Festival in partnership with Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) as part of Destinos, the Chicago International Latino Theater Festival.
— Creative & Production Team
Director, Choreographer & Dramaturge: INSÉKTA
Costume, Light & Make Up Design: INSÉKTA
Make-Up Associate: CJ Triche
Performers: Sophie Daker, Lola Jett-Beachley and CJ Triche
— Sound DesignSound Design: INSÉKTA
Sound Editor: Aberto Mendoza
Music: Features tracks by Arca, Dengue Dengue Dengue and GA31
Music Disclaimer: For research, workshop, and educational performance purposes only. All rights reserved to the original artists.
Photography: Diego Bolivar
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— Presenter
Selected for the Made in Chicago 2026 (Shared Bill) showcase at the International Physical Theater Festival, presented in partnership with Pivot Arts with space provided by the Wirtz Center Chicago.
— Creative & Production Team
Director, Choreographer, Producer & Dramaturge: INSÉKTA
Associate Producer: Sophie Daker
Costume, Light & Make Up Design: INSÉKTA
Lighting Technician / Board Operator: John Craige
Make-Up Associate: CJ Triche
Performers: Sophie Daker, Lola Jett-Beachley and CJ Triche
— Sound Design
Sound Design: INSÉKTA
Sound Editor: Aberto Mendoza
Music: Features tracks by Arca, Dengue Dengue Dengue, GA31, Rawaya, Akapellah, Yajaira La Beyaca, and Genosidra.
Music Disclaimer: For research, workshop, and educational performance purposes only. All rights reserved to the original artists.
Photography: Peter Hinsdale
SUPPORT
2026
MATADORA is mainly supported by Chicago Dancemakers Forum (CDF) as a part of their inaugural Dance Project Grant cohort. This major award supports the project's development through its full-length premiere in Fall 2026.
Additional support for MATADORA is provided by:
New Dances / New Horizons: A microgrant program of Thodos Dance Chicago.Synapse Arts: Serving as the official Co-Producer for the project.2025
MATADORA V1: Scratch Night (Destinos Edition)Our community-backed campaign raised 76% of its development goal in 29 days, directly funding artist fees for the director and performers. We are deeply grateful to the 37 backers who championed this first iteration.Special Thanks to our Community Supporters: Mauricio Rivero Pooley, Sidney Haigler, Emily Hunter, Alix Schillaci, Rachel Damon, and Fiorella Carhuancho.“Nos llamaron salvajes porque sabían QUE NO PODÍAN DOMARNOS.”
— INSÉKTA