Noun revolves around the idea of chaos that must be elaborated in order to comply with its primordial function as the origin of creation. In order to represent this articulation La Fura chose the metaphor of the relationship between man and machine, a traditionally problematic nexus which is prone to the creation of utopias. In this case the machine completes the primordial chaos function, the primordial ooze from which man arose.

La Fura deepened their language in the development
of this show, investing it with greater complexity and giving music a vital role. In Noun the music contrasts the atavism and heat of flamenco against a technological and metallic background.

Noun involves a radical change in La Fura dels Baus’ scenographic work. If in the first three of the group’s shows there was a direct relationship between expression and space, and La Fura based their work on the particular architectural elements of the space in which the performance was carried out, in Noun this tendency was modified quite radically. A large mobile element, centered on the stage with the majority of the scenographic elements fixed onto it, acts simultaneously as stage and support, as a set of tools and the central symbol. The spectator’s point of view is changed by this element, it is elevated and, without abandoning the active role of the previous shows, evolves towards a more contemplative position.

Another big new feature of this show is the use of video as an additional element of the expressive language, through an element named “the eye of God” and that incorporates various video monitors: it is the great controller and at the same time the great spectator.

Lastly, a notable feature of this work is La Fura’s first incorporation of actresses. Although in their previous works the company hadn’t rejected feminine thematic elements, they had been avoided or transformed without being negated. However in Noun the feminine presence goes beyond an idea and is incarnated in the work of various actresses. This literal incorporation of the feminine does not at all signify a change of direction or of fundamental language.

Creación y dirección
La Fura dels Baus (Jordi Arús, «Hansel» Cereza, Miki Espuma, Pep Gatell, Jürgen Müller, Àlex Ollé, Carlos Padrissa,
Pera Tantiña).

Actores
Paul Berrondo, «Hansel» Cereza, Encarna Codina, Beth Escuder, Blanca Li, Juan Márquez, Teresa Martínez, Jürgen Müller, Juan Navarro, Àlex Ollé, Bárbara Quetglas, Pera Tantiña, Carme Traveries, Manuel Villanueva, Rafael Vives, «Zarasqui».

Música
Ian Britton, Miki Espuma, Juanjo Ezquerra, Ginesa Ortega, Carlos Padrissa.

Letras
Antonin Artaud, Santiago Auserón, Miki Espuma, Ginesa Ortega, Carlos Padrissa, José Manuel Pinillo, Antón Reixa.

Artilugios y máquinas
Roland Olbeter

Creación y realización vídeo
Joan Pueyo

Vestuario
Quel Doblas, Rosa Carol.

Diseño de iluminación
Ramón Rey

Diseño de sonido
Pere Cusó

Programación Midi
Ramón Castán

Coordinación escenográfica
Jordi Arús, Josep Maria Blancafort.

Dirección técnica
Josep Maria Blancafort, Juan Parkinson, Apolo Parkinson, J. Lluís Parra.

Técnicos de sonido
Jordi Blanco, Carlos Gómez, Marc Sardà, Quico Viaplana.

Técnicos de iluminación
Joan Durán, Elke Voight.

Efectos especiales
Xesco Morros, «Hansel» Cereza.

Técnicos de fungibles
Joaquín Campa, Xesco Morros.

Técnico vídeo
«Mingo»

Ayudante de iluminación
Pedro Pablo Hervás

Técnicos de escenografía
Joaquín Campa, Salvador Ferrer, Alfons Mora, Vicenç Mora, Carlos Merodia, Nico Nubiola.

Road managers
«Hansel» Cereza, Susana Cuñado.

Producción
Àlex Ollé.

Estreno
15/10/90, en Le Hangar de la Foy de Nantes.

Representaciones
162

Un espectáculo producido por Expo 92-Sevilla, Mercat de les Flors-Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, Festival de Tardor-Barcelona, CRDC-Nantes y Ayuntamiento de Madrid; en colaboración con Grand Halle de La Vilette, Ajuntament de Rubi y Ajuntament de Sabadell.

Chaos must be articulated in order to complete its primordial function, which is to generate life. La Fura takes its staging to the next level, combining video, music and technological elements for the first time.