A World of Laughter, A World of Fears was a theatrical spectacle combining fireworks, sound, and lighting effects. It unfolded with the Microbus serving as the main element of the reenacted/fictionalized event. The event’s narrative is based on a conflict in the community of Asuncion Nochixtlan in Oaxaca, Mexico. On June 19, 2016, federal policemen tried to remove professors and parents blockading highways to protest education reforms. The protesters defended themselves with stones and DIY bazookas as they blocked the roadway with burning buses. The police responded with tear gas cans, rubber bullets, and automatic rifle fire, which the authorities denied.
Direction, Production and Design: Adela Goldbard
Construction: Amauri Sanabria, Jesús Sanabria, Víctor Rojas, Eduardo Pérez (Artsumex Collective)
Sound Design: Matias Barberis
Pyrotechnics: Pyro Spectaculars by Souza
Lighting: RK Diversified Entertainment
Project Management: Ian Byers-Gamber and Gary Murphy
A World of Laughter, A World of Fears was presented in conjunction with the exhibition, “Prometheus 2017: Four Artists from Mexico Revisit Orozco” and is part of the Getty Foundation’s PST: LA/LA initiative.