Unveiling the Shadows: “First Blood” at the National Theater of Catalonia
It can be seen from November 14 to 24 at the National Theater of Catalonia.
Welcome, dear readers, to a theatrical experience that promises to be less about applause and more about introspection, less about glitter and more about grit. First Blood, directed and penned by the talented Maria Velasco, hits the stage at the National Theater of Catalonia (TNC), and let’s just say, if you thought your week needed a little spice, this is like adding ghost pepper to your morning oatmeal.
What’s cooking on the Catalonian stage, you ask? Well, this piece has already secured the National Prize for Dramatic Literature—which, let’s be honest, is like winning the Oscars of stage plays, except without the glitzy dresses and over-enthusiastic acceptance speeches. Inspired by a daunting real-life tragedy from the ’90s—a kidnapping and murder that rocked Spain with more shock than a power cut at a kids’ birthday party—this drama is here to whip you into a frenzy of thoughts about childhood vulnerability and the burden of violence. Curtain up for deep thoughts!
Cue Enrique Marty, the man behind the visuals of this piece. If you ever wanted to see a ghost story fused with a thriller and a sprinkle of autofiction, you’ll want to grab your front-row seat. I mean, where else can you encounter specters that not only haunt your dreams but also pop up to give a commentary on society’s failings? Grab your popcorn—though, spoiler alert, it might be a little hard to swallow.
This play delves deep into the psyche of not just the victim but also the girls surrounding her—because what’s life without a little side reflection on how trauma ripples through society, right? Our dear Maria, who did not just win the award but seems to have claimed the spotlight faster than a cat on a hot tin roof, uses language that could make Shakespeare twist in his grave. Her lyrical quips and poetic musings are about as welcome as a warm hug after a cold winter walk.
The jury raved about the “dramatic force of a text with beautiful lyrical language,” which sounds positively delicious, doesn’t it? And let’s not forget the grim reality that even the dead aren’t safe under patriarchal structures—if only there were a theater to raise awareness about that. Oh wait, there is! First Blood isn’t just a play; it’s a rousing call to remember and reflect. Think of it as a TED talk, but instead of an awkward guy in a blazer drawing on a whiteboard, you’ve got ghosts taking center stage—and trust me, they have stories to tell.
With the motto,“The dead teach the living,” as its spine, the performance goes beyond mere entertainment—it’s a haunting reminder that our memories are stained and that innocence can be a fleeting illusion. Remember what Walter Benjamin said? “If the enemy wins, not even the dead will be safe.” And judging by recent history, it appears the enemy has quite the knack for winning.
So, if you’re in Catalonia from November 14 to 24, do yourself a favor and witness the ghostly echoes of First Blood. Bring your brain (and maybe a tissue or two), because while the play may leave you a little shaken, at least you can leave knowing you’ve done your part in supporting theatrical art that matters. Just remember—this isn’t the kind of show for a casual night out; this is a one-way ticket on the rollercoaster of emotions, so buckle up!
In summary: If you want your heartstrings tugged, your senses shaken, and your brain challenged, First Blood is waiting for you at the TNC. Don’t miss it, or you might wake up one day asking, “What was I thinking?”
For more juicy details on when to catch the show, check it out here.
From November 14 to 24, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the poignant drama at the National Theater of Catalonia.
first blood, a thought-provoking piece directed and crafted by the talented Maria Velasco, marks its significant premiere at the National Theater of Catalonia (TNC), following its recent accolade of the National Prize for Dramatic Literature awarded in September 2024. This compelling narrative draws inspiration from a harrowing real-life incident that shook Spain in the 1990s—the devastating kidnapping and murder of a young girl. Remarkably, the ensuing public outrage led to no resolution, leaving the crime shrouded in mystery. The choreography created by Enrique Marty further enhances the work’s significance, urging viewers to grapple with the fragility of childhood and the lasting trauma that violence inflicts upon women’s bodies. The cast includes notable talents such as María Cerezuela, Javiera Paz, Vidda Priego, Francisco Reyes, and Valèria Sorolla.
Premiering at the esteemed National Dramatic Center, this play weaves together elements of thriller, ghost story, and autofiction, delving deep into the repercussions of this tragic homicide, particularly on the lives of the girl’s peers. It raises critical questions regarding how such devastating events shape perceptions of fear, courage, and sexual autonomy in upcoming generations. Velasco, a previous laureate of the XXXI SGAE Theater Award Jardiel Poncela, employs lyrical and poetic prose to depict, with exceptional sensitivity, the deep-seated terror stemming from abusive and violent acts against women and young girls in contemporary society.
The jury for the National Prize for Dramatic Literature praised the work for its “dramatic force, enriched by beautiful lyrical language, and a distinctive innovative approach to theater as an art form.” The narrative confronts attendees with the haunting memories of victims who, within oppressive patriarchal frameworks, appear to receive no justice. first blood serves as a platform to amplify these spectral voices from the past, rendering visible what might otherwise remain unseen.
Drawing inspiration from the poignant adage The dead teach the living (“the dead teach the living”), the play resurrects the victim’s spirit upon the stage, compelling the audience to engage in profound contemplation about the notions of memory and innocence. “If the enemy wins,” stated Walter Benjamin, “not even the dead will be safe. And the enemy has not stopped winning,” articulates Velasco, encapsulating the pervasive theme of struggle against enduring injustice.
**Interview with Maria Velasco, Director of “First Blood” at the National Theater of Catalonia**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Maria! It’s a pleasure to talk with you about your new play, *First Blood*. Your work has already garnered the National Prize for Dramatic Literature in September 2024. How does it feel to receive such recognition before the premiere?
**Maria Velasco:** Thank you! It’s a tremendous honor. The award definitely adds a layer of responsibility to the work. It reminds me that what we’re presenting is not just a story, but a reflection on the societal issues we face, especially concerning violence and vulnerability.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely, and the themes in *First Blood* are quite heavy, inspired by a tragic real-life incident. What motivated you to delve into such a profound topic?
**Maria Velasco:** The act of storytelling itself can be a powerful medium for healing and understanding. This incident—though painful—highlights essential conversations about childhood safety and the long-lasting effects of violence on society. I believe art can serve as a catalyst for introspection and change, and that is precisely what I aimed to achieve with this play.
**Interviewer:** That’s a crucial message. You mentioned the influence of childhood vulnerability and societal reflection in your piece. Can you elaborate on how you’ve woven these elements into the narrative?
**Maria Velasco:** Certainly. The storyline not only follows the victim but also explores the lives of those around her—how trauma ripples through our lives and societies. I’ve incorporated stark, lyrical language to evoke emotions and push audiences into a space of critical thinking. It’s about allowing the staging to reflect the shadows of our past while providing a platform for dialogue.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of staging, Enrique Marty’s choreography adds another layer to the performance. How has his artistic vision contributed to the overall experience?
**Maria Velasco:** Enrique’s contribution is integral. His work intertwines movement with the narrative’s emotional depth, creating a haunting yet beautiful visual representation of the themes we’re tackling. The choreography becomes a character in itself, expressing what words sometimes cannot. It’s an experience that transcends mere viewing; it invites audiences to feel and reflect deeply.
**Interviewer:** It sounds incredibly moving! As we approach the dates of your performance, what do you hope audiences take away from *First Blood*?
**Maria Velasco:** I hope that audiences leave feeling challenged and inspired—to reflect on their perspectives regarding violence, vulnerability, and societal responsibility. It’s a cathartic experience that I hope will spark conversations long after the curtains close. Just remember, it’s a psychologically intense journey—we encourage everyone to come prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Maria. Your insights are as compelling as your play promises to be. We’re excited to see *First Blood* at the National Theater of Catalonia from November 14 to 24!
**Maria Velasco:** Thank you for having me! I look forward to sharing this experience with everyone.
