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.
CREDTIS & COLLABORATORS
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— Curatorial Details
Commissioned by The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.
Premiered on May 8th and 9th, 2025
Faculty/Alumni Spring Concert
— Creative Team
Director, Choreographer & Dramaturge: INSÉKTA
Costume, Light & Make Up Design: INSÉKTA
Performers: Sophie Daker, Lola Jett-Beachley and CJ Triche
Rehearsal Support: Rachel Damon
Sound Editor: Aberto Mendoza
Tracks: Arca, Dengue Dengue Dengue and GA31
Tracks Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.
Photography: Julie Lucas
Archival Footage: Jane Jerardi
Videographer for IG Reels: Alberto Mendoza
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— Curation
Commissioned by Synapse Arts for New Works 2026.
— Creative Team
Director, Choreographer & Dramaturge: INSÉKTA
Costume, Light & Make Up Design: INSÉKTA
Performers: CJ Triche
Production Support: Rachel Damon
Sound Editor: Aberto Mendoza
Tracks: Arca, Rawayana, Akapella.
Tracks Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.
Photography: Mathew Gregory Hollis
Archival Footage: Mat Griffo
Videographer: Alberto Mendoza
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— Curation
Selected for Scratch Night (Destinos Edition) 2026
— Creative Team
Director, Choreographer & Dramaturge: INSÉKTA
Costume, Light & Make Up Design: INSÉKTA
Performers: Sophie Daker, Lola Jett-Beachley and CJ Triche
Sound Editor: Aberto Mendoza
Tracks: Arca, Dengue Dengue Dengue and GA31
Tracks Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.
Photography: Diego Bolivar
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:
Physical Theater Festival: Supported through the Made in Chicago 2026 series (in partnership with Pivot Arts), including a creative residency at The Wirtz Center and a featured showcase in the 2026 International Physical Theater Festival.
New Dances / New Horizons: A microgrant program of Thodos Dance Chicago.
Synapse Arts: Serving as the official Fiscal Sponsor 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