They are born male and feel female. The Muxe community, originally from the Oaxaca region in southern Mexico, is of Zapotec ethnicity and is considered to truly represent a third gender. Thomas Lebrun conducted research in the area of Juchitán de Zaragoza, where most of the community lives. The result is a piece for five dancers, dressed in sumptuous gowns and flower crowns reminding us of Frida Kahlo's style, which illustrates how, in some parts of the world, what is still heavily prejudiced in Europe is possible, recognised, and free.
Thomas Lebrun raises the colours of Mexico and the Muxes, that third gender so dear to the Zapotecs, in a deeply moving and hauntingly beautiful creation.
There are five of them, dressed in sumptuous flowery costumes reminiscent of Frida Kahlo in male attire. Surrounded by walls brightly coloured by Françoise Michel's superb lighting, they draw broad gestures with their upper bodies in slow motion, sketching different poses - laughter, conversation, outbursts of tenderness - like so many snapshots slowly unfolding before our enchanted eyes. Voices of celebration emanate from the four openings in the walls. These are the Muxes.
