Monica 1984

Mónica Briones Puccio (Jul 7, 1950 – Jul 9, 1984) was a Chilean painter and sculptor. Her femicide during the military dictatorship is considered the first documented case of a lesbophobic hate crime in Chile, and inspired the formation of the first Chilean lesbian group, Colectiva Lésbica Ayuquelén, and the establishment of Lesbian Visibility Day, which has been commemorated in Chile every July 9 since 2015.

A significant story that inspires Teatro La Crisis to close its"Death by Lesbiana Trilogy" (Las Convocadas: manifesto of a young lesbian in search of justice [2020] and When the silence is broken [2023]), creating Mónica 1984, a work in concert theater format.

Five performers on stage build a narrative and musical dialogue live, where words and musicality will come together to give life to the story of a woman who lived her youth in a Chile of dictatorship, taken away by the CNI.

"It seems important to us to close the trilogy with Mónica's story, because in a certain way it allows us to return to the genesis of documented violence against lesbians in Chile. At the same time, it is particularly important that this project be presented at GAM, due to the geographical proximity to the corner where Mónica Briones was murdered 41 years ago (Irene Morales con Merced)," says Tatiana Baeza-Fariña, playwright and director.

With a comprehensive design by Amanda López where bohemianism stands out, the work also includes musical direction by Aníbal Gutiérrez who provides a soundtrack of the new wave, rock & roll, and original songs that narratively tell this theatrical experience. "All these elements come together in a voracious, intimate and denouncing montage, which invites us to reflect on love, desire, and the sea as a witness to life and death in a country that was fighting for its freedom," adds Baeza-Fariña.

Stories from the future, present and past constitute the work of Teatro La Crisis to reflect on social and cultural violence towards lesbians in Chile. “This reality in Chile moved us, terrified us and motivated us to discuss this reality, since, on the one hand, we did not see lesbian representations in the Chilean theater scene and on the other hand, a great lack of knowledge in society about these crimes,” concludes Evaluna Valdivieso, director.

The theater critic in Culturizarte described it as a necessary work that becomes a powerful act of artistic visibility. "It invites us to reflect on our past and its impact on our present, reminding us of the importance of keeping alive the memory of those who have fought for their rights and their identity. It is through its marked poetics, its music and its narrative, which makes this production something unique and timeless."

Director: Evaluna Valdivieso and Tatiana Baeza-Fariña | Dramaturgy: Tatiana Baeza-Fariña | Cast: Paly Sanhueza, Bárbara Mártin, Matías Silva, Aníbal Gutiérrez, Florencia Cárdenas, Alberto Villarroel | Comprehensive design and photography: Amanda López | Musical Direction: Aníbal Gutiérrez Leiva | Management and Production: Gabriel Valenzuela /Rizomas Agency| Communications: Rizomas Agency.