Farewell, Petroleum!

In the framework of the Carlota Soldevila grants, the resident artist of this season is Pau Masaló, of whom we saw last season the show Ciutat dormitori (and this year we replenish). Its work process will be open to the public in two sessions, the firts one on April and the second on June.

At the current rate of consumption, estimates suggest that all the world's oil will have been used up by 2050. Farewell, combustion engines. Farewell, intercontinental flights. Farewell, T-shirts for two Euros. Mankind's progress and growth have been dangerously linked with the substance since the first industrial-scale crude oil well was built in 1859. But while the economy grew at a happy rate, oil reserves declined at the same speed.

Farewell, Petroleum! is a theatrical research project that focuses on the turbulent history of this raw material and explores possible collective rituals to say goodbye to a world that will never be the same as it used to be. We want to witness the collapse with a perspective of curiosity and eyes moist with nostalgia. Like someone watching the last embers of some beautiful fireworks in amazement. Farewell! Farewell, my friend!

Pau Masaló’s residence is mentored by British stage director Tim Etchells. This support is part of the international mentoring program of the Institut Ramon Llull.


28/04/23 - Farewell, Petroleum! #1: A party
In a world where gas shortages are the order of the day, two motorists await the advent of a miracle. And while they are waiting they have decided to organize a farewell and thanksgiving celebration. But how can you say goodbye to a bunch of prehistoric corpses?
Our relationship with oil has been a big party. Since we met, we’ve been together. We have often argued, but we have always known how to reconcile. In recent decades, the party has gone out of hand. In a capitalist ecstasy, we have lost sight of the world. And now, we have a hangover. Soon they will turn on the disco lights and the crudest reality will be exposed. Who will stand then?

16/06/23 - Farewell, Petroleum! #2: A farewell
When the end is near, our faith is consolidated. Oil has illuminated us for decades, but it seems that darkness will soon return. Before it’s too late, we want to celebrate and thank all that fossil fuels have done for us. We will make offerings and dances; we will burn everything to cross a portal to an unknown future.
In a public square, a group of motorists gather in front of an altar presided over by the figure of oil. With their vehicles they will draw a farewell choreography, a thanksgiving ritual, and burn who knows if they will be the last gallons of gasoline in their lives. Now it is: Farewell, Petroleum!

The Carlota Soldevila grants are possible thanks to the partnership between the Theatre and the Fundació Banc Sabadell.


To learn more
El caos climàtic està assegurat si el petroli i el gas segueixen endavant, by Faith Birol (IEA)
Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2022 | World Economic Forum - Davos 2022
Energy outlook: Overcoming the crisis | World Economic Forum - Davos 2022