The evolution of Llàtzer Garcia as a prominent playwright
Llàtzer Garcia has built up an impressive career in the field of theatre, establishing himself as an influential name in contemporary dramaturgy. His work draws notably from the influences of the Anglo-Saxon scene and both American and European cinema. This becomes a characteristic feature of his work, where he is not afraid to pay tribute to his inspirations, as evidenced in his piece ‘La pols’, inspired by ‘East of Eden’ by John Steinbeck, through the film version of Elia Kazan. Likewise, with ‘Els somnàmbuls’, he establishes a free connection with Noël Coward’s ‘Design for Living’, sprinkled with nods to Godard’s aesthetics. His interest in westerns and psychological thrillers, as manifested in ‘Johnny & Vienna’ and ‘At the end, les visions’, respectively, are proof of his versatility and artistic curiosity.
A tale of troubled love in ‘Les mans’
Garcia’s most recent project, ‘Les mans’, is being presented at La Villarroel, within the framework of the Grec Festival. The work delves into the complexity of human relationships through the story of Paula, a screenwriter who is on the verge of her first film project, and Isaac, the actor destined to bring her vision to life. The influence of the collaboration with director Sílvia Munt is crucial to developing the conflict that defines the plot. The intricate web of emotions and decisions drags the characters into a host of challenges after Paula makes the controversial decision to replace Isaac with another actor, a decision that deeply affects their personal and professional connection.
The reflection of an internal struggle
The drama does not delve into trivial cynicism; instead, it reveals the deep vulnerability and fears shared between the characters. The play presents an intense look at a love relationship marked by imperfection, which approaches the harshest truths of contemporary life. The subtitle, ‘An imperfect love story’, emphasizes this duality, that constant push and pull between creation and self-destruction.
The masterful direction and staging
‘Les mans’ stands out not only for its narrative, but also for Sílvia Munt’s meticulous approach to direction. In this production, metafictional elements are intertwined, such as the sound of a storm that accompanies an essential dialogue, evoking the never-made script that Paula had conceived for the film, where Isaac would occupy the leading role. This power play becomes a reflection of the dynamics of real life, where the characters struggle to define their roles in their relationship and in the artistic world that surrounds them.
Emotional depths and the layers of love
The splendid acting of Raquel Ferri and Ernest Villegas contributes to the creation of an atmosphere of high emotional tension. Paula’s transformation reflects the burden she carries, while Isaac navigates between restraint and the expression of his frustrations. As the plot progresses, both characters face the discomfort of being explorations of oneself and the other, which leads to a spiral of accusations and misunderstandings. Here, Garcia invites us to reflect on the fragility of relationships, and how emotional dependence can exist alongside the need for creative autonomy.
A legacy of conflicting feelings
The show makes it clear that love is never presented as a pure feeling, but rather as a web of complex emotions. In doing so, the play becomes a study of the struggle for personal recognition and rights over the artistic voice, while the characters confront their own shadows. ‘Les mans’ thus becomes an introspective journey, which manages to connect with the audience on deep levels. As tensions arise, a great truth about human nature also emerges: imperfect love, although sometimes tumultuous, is what shapes our stories and strengths.
