From December 3 to 8, the renowned Canal Hispanidad series at the Teatros del Canal in Madrid will feature a fresh take on the classic Renaissance work, "La Celestina," originally penned by Fernando de Rojas. This innovative production transports the narrative to a lively neighborhood in Havana. Entitled "Celestina," this version is crafted by Cuban playwright Norge Espinosa and directed by Carlos Díaz, who infuses it with Afro-Cuban folklore and Iberian tradition through a modern lens, as per a press release from Teatros del Canal.
Espinosa's adaptation overflows with sensuality, eroticism, and social critique, weaving the tale of Calisto and Melibea's love, guided by the meddling matchmaker Celestina. Set against a Caribbean backdrop, the story reinterprets themes of desire, morality, and magic, offering them new dimensions, according to the statement.
A Fresh Perspective on a Timeless Classic
Founder of Teatro El Público, Carlos Díaz, known for his provocative productions, described Fernando de Rojas' work as an inexhaustible source, a "seedbed from which you can harvest anything," he remarked. For Díaz, Celestina is more than just a matchmaker; she symbolizes the double standards and contradictions of her era, acting as a "mender of hymens."
This stage production is a collaborative effort between Fundarte in Miami and Teatro El Público in Havana, featuring Cuban actors residing in Spain. It debuted in July 2023 in Alcalá de Henares during the Ibero-American Festival of the Golden Age in the Community of Madrid.
Connecting Madrid with Latin American Theatrical Diversity
The presentation of "Celestina" at the Teatros del Canal, located at C. de Cea Bermúdez, 1, Chamberí in Madrid, is part of the Canal Hispanidad cycle, which celebrates the diversity and richness of Latin American theater. This platform aims to engage Madrid audiences with artistic endeavors that reimagine classics from fresh and contemporary perspectives, the release details.
Fundarte is a non-profit cultural organization based in Miami, dedicated to promoting and producing artistic and cultural events that highlight the cultural and artistic diversity, particularly of the Hispanic and Latin American community.