Quick Summary
- 1A new version of Miguel de Cervantes' tragedy 'Numancia' has premiered at the Teatros del Canal in Madrid, directed by José Luis Alonso de Santos.
- 2The production highlights the play's long history of serving as a mirror to contemporary events.
- 3Historically, the play was used to boost morale during the 1809 siege of Zaragoza by General Palafox.
- 4In 1937, a production by Jean-Louis Barrault in Paris evoked the siege of Republican Madrid.
Quick Summary
A new production of Miguel de Cervantes' tragedy Numancia has opened at the Teatros del Canal in Madrid. Directed by José Luis Alonso de Santos, this version runs in the Sala Verde until February 1. The play has a rich history of political relevance, often staged during times of conflict to reflect on resistance and tragedy.
Historical productions include General Palafox's staging during the 1809 siege of Zaragoza to elevate morale, and Jean-Louis Barrault's 1937 Paris production that referenced the siege of Madrid. Later adaptations by Rafael Alberti and Alfonso Sastre drew parallels to the Italian forces aiding Franco and the US involvement in Vietnam, respectively. The current production, however, has been noted for lacking a dramaturgical bridge connecting the past to current events.
Historical Resonance of Numancia
The tragedy of Numancia has consistently served as a mirror to contemporary events throughout history. The play's narrative of resistance against overwhelming odds makes it a potent symbol during periods of national struggle.
Specific historical instances of the play's staging include:
- In 1809, General Palafox ordered a performance during the siege of Zaragoza to boost the morale of the resistance.
- In 1937, a production directed by Jean-Louis Barrault in Paris brought attention to the siege being suffered by Republican Madrid.
- Months later in Madrid, Rafael Alberti premiered a version where Romans were referred to as Italians, alluding to the blackshirts fighting alongside Franco.
- In 1968, Alfonso Sastre published an adaptation referencing the massacre being committed by the EE UU in Vietnam and the embargo on Cuba.
The Current Production
The current staging at Teatros del Canal is the work of director José Luis Alonso de Santos, who has provided his own version of the classic text. The production takes place in the Sala Verde and is scheduled to run until February 1.
While the play itself is historically charged, the critical reception suggests a disconnect in this specific iteration. The production has been critiqued for a perceived lack of dramaturgia that effectively connects the historical narrative of the play with the urgency of actuality. This stands in contrast to the play's previous incarnations which were explicitly tied to the events of their time.
Conclusion
The legacy of Numancia remains defined by its ability to reflect the struggles of the present moment. From the Napoleonic wars to the Spanish Civil War and the conflict in Vietnam, the tragedy has provided a framework for political commentary.
The current production at Teatros del Canal continues the tradition of staging this work, though it diverges from the historical trend of explicitly linking the play to contemporary crises. As the run continues until February 1, audiences have the opportunity to view the tragedy in the context of its own history.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is being performed at the Teatros del Canal in Madrid, specifically in the Sala Verde.
José Luis Alonso de Santos directed and provided the version for the current production.
It has historically been staged to reflect contemporary events, such as the siege of Zaragoza in 1809 and the siege of Madrid in 1937.
