Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Cádiz Carnival Troupe Portrays Stephen Hawking, Pledges Wheelchairs to ALS Patients

Donations are being arranged through ELA Andalucía following a patient review of the routine.

Overview

  • Twelve members of the chirigota “Una chirigota en teoría” performed seated in motorised wheelchairs at the Gran Teatro Falla during the Official Carnival Groups competition.
  • The act mimicked Stephen Hawking’s gestures and synthesized voice and featured lyrics that highlighted ALS and Hawking’s legacy.
  • Video of the troupe wheeling through Cádiz’s cobblestoned streets drew large crowds and went viral on social media.
  • The group says it will donate the 12 electric wheelchairs, reported to cost about €400 each, to people with ALS in coordination with ELA Andalucía.
  • Author Miguel Ángel Llull described the concept as risky dark humor intended to raise visibility, and the troupe invited ALS patients to a dress rehearsal where they offered their blessing.