The Cloud

The convergence of their interests and the complementarity of their mindful, militant approaches make them a powerful duo. In OUFF by O’Hara, presented at La Chapelle in 2019, Cianfarani deployed a spectacular set design that took over the stage. This time, along with set design, they will take on the role of performer for the first time.

O’Hara is an interdisciplinary artist whose work ranges from sound installation to live performance, along with releasing poetry and music albums. Her short-form, mostly improvised concerts flirt with the spirit of cabaret. Speaking of which, Montreal cabaret-goers will surely remember her character Guizo La Nuit, the renowned drag king. The relationship between voice, text, and humour plays a major role in her internationally recognized practice.

A visual artist, designer, and activist, Cianfarani has situated their work within an ecological framework since the 1990s. During the 20 years they spent in New York, they notably co-managed a fashion company that pioneered the integration of recycled rubber and latex into haute couture, outfitting a number of stars such as Björk, Shakira, and Britney Spears.

The relationship and collaboration between the artists began in 2016, when Cianfarani lent O’Hara a pair of shoes for a performance in New York. Since then, the pair have lived and worked together as the artistic duo Et tu, Machine. The name is a nod to the phrase spoken by Julius Caesar before his death, referring to his betrayal. Here, the betrayal in question is technological, and their criticism is aimed at a society that promotes and rewards consumerism, greed, and individualism.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 virus a pandemic and Brutus, the dog, was born.

He is a Chinese Crested Powderpuff, somewhat of an aberration in the Chinese Crested breed, as most of these dogs, domestic animals that date back to the 15th century, are hairless.

A descendant of the companions of sailors on merchant ships, Brutus is an adventurer who enjoys travel, hunting rodents and cuddling. Like most of his North American cousins, Brutus’ lineage can be traced back to famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee who came to adopt, fall in love with and breed Chinese Crested dogs after her sister rescued a dog whose sailor owner had died in the passage overseas.

 Perhaps due to the epigenetic trauma of it all, Brutus hates baths. His favorite food is whatever you are eating and he loves to sing. The Cloud is Brutus’ professional stage debut.