Theater epidemic and his new proposal
The Teatre Epidemic Company, after the success of its previous production Mettela Candela Zarsuela, has decided to reinvent a classic of European dramatic literature: the Figaro wedding, by one of the great eighteenth-century playwrights, Pierre-Augustin Caon de Beaumarchais. With the help of the playwright Jaume Viñas, the company presents Guateque, an adaptation that transports the action to a community of neighbors in Barcelona during the night when Massiel succeeded in Eurovision.
A rich historical and cultural context
Located in the 1968 turbulent, Guateque is inspired by an age marked by important social and cultural changes, despite the rigor of the Franco dictatorship. The 60’s is seen as a period of boom and progression, with the influence of movements such as hippie counterculture and the social demands that shook the western establishment. This backdrop is perfectly aligned with the revolutionary spirit of Beaumarchais’s original work.
Music as a message vehicle
Theater epidemic fuses Mozart’s melodies with contemporary themes by Nino Bravo, Raphael and other artists, creating a sound cocktail that reflects the current class struggle and social struggles. The musical direction by Joel Riu adds a new layer to the experience, with arrangements that reinterpret the classic pieces with a modern touch.
Innovative adaptations and reinterpretations
The adaptation of Viñas transforms the key characters, with the count of Almaviva, became the president of the community of neighbors, and Fígaro and Susanna as goalkeepers. This change of perspective brings a new dimension to the original plot, although some subplots, such as Marcel·lina, may not completely fit the general tone of the show.
A visual and sound spectacle
The staging, designed by Bibiana Puigdefàbregas, combines nostalgic visual elements with a dynamic rhythm that maintains the attention of the public. The choreography by Ana Pérez García, although simple, bring a special charm to the show, culminating in a final porus that evokes the rich musical tradition of the 60’s.
Prominent actions and their contribution
Aida Llop’s interpretations, Mireia Lorente-Picó, Gerard Franch and Joan Sáez are one of the strengths of Guateque. Each actor contributes a unique style that complements the narrative, with a masterful use of language and word games that make the audience laugh. Its stage chemistry and the dominion of comication are evident in each scene.
A reflection on the past and the present
Not only is Guateque a tribute to a classic of theater, but also a reflection on the social struggles and cultural transformations that have marked recent history. The theater epidemic proposal invites us to review our past, while encouraged us to think about the present and the future, with a message of hope and resilience that resonates today.
