EDU DÍAZ IN
With the support of
A solo theatrical experience
Fantastic Mr. S tells the adventure of Simón Santacruz, an antihero in self-destruction, fleeing from a disturbing island of shadows.
This imaginative show explores severe depression, suicide, and grief, blending immersive storytelling, physical theatre, and shadow puppetry.
After a premiere at the United Solo Festival in New York in October 2022, Fantastic Mr. S is to trust destiny for a new production.
Mr. S is the saddest person in the world. He lives in a tiny apartment, harassed by his thoughts and countless calls from his smothering mother.
The day he decides it is time for a long-awaited relief, Mr. S wakes up on a disturbing island of shadows.
Guided by a bold companion, he embarks on a whimsical adventure through his deepest fears.
The Canary Islands
My hometown—its nature, poetry, art, and idiosyncrasy—serves as inspiration for the island of shadows in 'Fantastic Mr. S.. ' The beloved land I was born in is now a synonym for loss and painful memories. Surrealist art by Óscar Domínguez, doors and trees by Carmen Cólogan, and infinite horizons by my grandmother, María Belén Morales, inspire the show's aesthetics. Below, 'Entre Acantilados' (2004), by Canarian artist María Belén Morales.
Like great inventions and discoveries, Fantastic Mr. S was developed in a garage in the Canary Islands, connected to an international community of artists via Zoom, during the COVID pandemic (2020-2022). I would perform excerpts of the piece in front of my laptop, activating lights, sound, and shadow puppetry from controls attached to my body.
ON THE MEDIA
Special thanks
To the members of the first production of Fantastic Mr. S, for putting their souls -and sometimes, their lives- to tell this story.
To the friends, family, and pets who helped to develop the show in New York City, Tenerife, and virtually.
To every single Mr. S struggling to be alive. I wish I had a magic recipe. All I know is that you are not alone, and you will never be.
Production Team for the United Solo Festival (2022)
Eduardo Diaz Productions in Association With Tony Castrigno & Mark Rubinsky (MTTM Theatrics) presents a new solo show created and performed by Edu Díaz
Book by Carlos Crespo & Edu Díaz
Dramaturg: María Pacheco
Assistant Director: Chris Goffredo
Stage Manager: Leo Cohen
Narrator (Voiceover): Saida Santana
Shadow Puppeteer: Elisabetta D'avenia
Composer: Meïa Santiago
Puppetry Consultancy: Hit The Lights
Production Coach: Ken Davenport
Photo & Video: Botella Films, Petter Skanke, Gabriel García & Edu Díaz
Social Media: Razzle Media Co
Psychological Consultant: Pilar G. Valiente