On Crying Perpetrators and Subversive Laughter

Contemporary theatre and performance can serve as powerful tools for exploring transnational politics of memory and grief, particularly when engaging with difficult historical narratives. This study examines two site-specific interventions at the ESMA Museum (Buenos Aires, Argentina): The Impossible Scene by Wojtek Ziemilski and Recess: A Practical Guide for Trials Against Humanity, both from 2019. Through these works, the research demonstrates how performative installations and guided tours can subvert traditional memory practices, challenging perpetrators while fostering inclusive dialogue. The analysis suggests that such interventions offer a grounded approach to confronting historical atrocities, blending artistic expression with educational and therapeutic functions. Future research should further explore the intersection of museums, theatre, and justice in shaping collective narratives.

Sosa, C. (2023). On Crying Perpetrators and Subversive Laughter. Staging Difficult Pasts, 89–103. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003315827-6