The faux Nobel lecture by Donna Marcus Duke explores topics such as fringe evolution, genius, and alternative ways of knowing.

In a satirical performance, Donna Marcus Duke delivers their Nobel Prize speech for proving mid 20th Century imposter Charlotte Bach’s fringe theory of evolution. With a mercurial personality, the radical thinker, is revived as a challenging political contradiction. Opening with an interactive reception for the audience, guests are served imitations of champagne and canapés (dyed sparkling water and rye bread) on arrival as the artist makes a spectacular late entrance. Theatrically merging Duke and Bach’s lives, the forty-minute lecture covers the theory, the paradox of how genius is embodied, and ruminates on the role of delusion, desire, and the impact of alternative epistemologies in both artist and theoretical research.

Part of Re-Imagine Europe – New Perspectives for Action. Co-funded by the European Union.

Premiere: Rupert, 2024 (LT)
This work is available for touring.
Further enquiries: info@rupert.lt