What the performance proposes
«I was told not to make eye contact with Tom Cruise» is an autofiction performance created and performed by Elena Carvajal, inspired by the 2023 The Guardian article of the same name. The piece revolves around Jill Goldston, a film extra with a Guinness World Record (1,951 appearances) who, despite sharing scenes with stars like David Bowie, remained perpetually in the background. Carvajal brings this paradox to the stage: what happens when what has always been in the shadows—the extras, the unnoticed gestures, the replaceable bodies—becomes the focal point? The work doesn’t provide definitive answers but creates a space to question who decides what deserves to be seen and what is relegated to the margins.
Who performs and how it’s structured
Elena Carvajal, artist and performer, presents this solo piece. According to La Mutant’s website, the performance blends text, movement, and visual elements to explore the tension between presence and visibility. There’s no linear narrative; instead, a series of scenes mimic cinematic logic: static shots, repetitions, and silences that encourage the audience to «reframe» their gaze. The approximate duration is 60 minutes, with no intermission.
Prices and tickets
General admission is €10, available online via platforms like Notikumi. There are no discounts or seating distinctions: La Mutant’s capacity is limited, and all seats offer the same view of the stage. Tickets are non-refundable and registered to the buyer’s name.
Access and requirements
The show starts at 19:30, with doors opening 30 minutes prior. While there’s no official age restriction, the content—reflecting on exclusion and anonymity—is recommended for adult audiences. La Mutant is accessible: the seating area accommodates wheelchairs, and guide dogs are permitted.
