Analphabet
Alberto Cortés
Do we abuse our own selves as we build a romantic relationship? A mythological creature, part German romanticism, part Andalusian idiosyncrasy, will reflect on this question with us.
In an idyllic, romantic landscape, the pain caused by their love is driving a couple to tears. They draw the attention of Analphabet, a mythological creature or a queer legend dreamt up by Alberto Cortés, an expert in using all the poetry in the world and then some to explore pain, love and sexualities. You’ll meet a couple arguing on a beach in Asturias and a romantic spirit singing them songs, but you’ll also see a romantic landscape with sexualised bodies (is it a cruising ground?) and hear or sing a healing hymn performed by Analphabet, a symbol of the Other, of what’s different, of dissident choices. Among other reflections, Cortés wonders to what extent staying with a romantic partner longer than we should is a form of sadomasochism.
Like all of Alberto Cortés’s creations, this show offers a strikingly unique take on love and emotions. This approach was already showcased at the 2023 Barcelona Grec Festival, where he presented One night at the Golden Bar. Cortés, who holds a degree in art history, is a director and playwright from Málaga. In 2008, he created the Bajotierra company together with artist Alessandra García, a project that would shape the start of his career. He has been involved in initiatives such as El Quirófano, Málaga’s alternative theatre festival, and the Escena Bruta series.
Starting in 2013, he broke out on his own, creating shows such as Viva la guerra [Long Live War], Historia de Mikoto [Mikoto’s Story], Yo antes era mejor [I Used to Be Better] Hollywood, Masacre en Nebraska [Massacre in Nebraska] and El Ardor [That Burning Feeling]. In addition to participating in the Grec Festival, we have seen him in Catalonia at the Sâlmon Festival d’Arts Vives Contemporànies, the Terrassa Noves Tendències (TNT) festival, the TNC’s ZIP festival and the Joan Brossa Foundation’s Centre de les Arts Lliures.
Produced by TNT Terrasa Noves Tendències, Centre de Cultura Contemporània Condeduque, FITEI – Festival Internacional de Teatro de Expressão Ibérica, the Joan Brossa Foundation’s Centre de les Arts Lliures, Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Cádiz
Discipline
- Theater
Dates and times
Friday 04/07 - 19:30 h
Saturday 05/07 - 19:30 h
Space
Durada
Language
- Castellà amb sobretitulació en anglès
Prices
Other criteria
- Essentials
- Young Grec
Artistic sheet
Concept, dramaturgy, texts, director, performer: Alberto Cortés · Violin and conversations: Luz Prado · Lighting design: Benito Jiménez · Lighting technicians: Benito Jiménez / Cristina Bolívar · Sound: Oscar Villegas · Technical coordination: Cristina Bolívar · Piano recordings: César Barco · Staging: Víctor Colmenero · Costumes: Gloria Trenado · Outside perspective: Mónica Valenciano · Photography: Alejandra Amere / Clementina Gades · Video: Johann Pérez Viera · Production: El Mandaíto Producciones SL
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