A CHORUS OF IMMORTAL TOXINS

A post-apocalyptic satirical gospel of toxicity told in five parts; a site-specific mask and auditory ritual which seeks reverence and empathy for the most disastrous materials polluting our world.

A Chorus of Immortal Toxins is a site-specific mask ritual that takes a critical look at the impact of pollutants on our world. Situated along the riverbanks of the Vltava, a cult of post-apocalyptic disciples has come together to pay homage to five of the most toxic and disastrous materials in existence: chromium, asbestos, lead, kerosene, and formaldehyde.

Through casting these pollutants as objects of worship, the performance subverts traditional religious narratives and reveals the destructive consequences of industrialized greed and everlasting productivity. The performance is rich with sacramental symbols, from the liturgical chanting of toxic materials to the offering of votive candles as penance for humanity’s environmental transgressions, and seeks to foster a unique human and non-human communion. These elements serve to transform the performance from a simple environmental protest into a powerful spiritual awakening.

At its heart, the ritual critiques humanity’s relationship with the environment and its own non-human toxic creations. The evangelical and satirical nature of the performance underscores the dangers of blindly following false ideologies, particularly with regards to environmental protection, and questions what role faith serves in the betterment of our planet. By depicting toxic materials as immortal entities with spiritual power, the performance critiques the lack of action and responsibility taken by humanity to address environmental pollution and further illuminates our unconscious reverence for destruction.