Marceline
La petita malumaluga
The life and career of the creator of modern clowning, a man born in the southern Pyrenees, come to life in a production featuring live music, movement, and stage technology for babies, children, and adults alike.
Very few people have ever heard of Marceline Orbés (Isidro Marcelino Orbés Casanova), a man born in Jaca in 1873 who became a clown, mime, acrobat, comedian, and circus performer, first in Barcelona, where he started his career, and later in the US, which granted him citizenship in 1922. The New York Times once called him the best clown in the world. He was a mentor to Charlie Chaplin and an inspiration to the great Buster Keaton. A true star, he performed alongside Houdini, and rumour had it that an Indian princess attended every one of his shows, sending him jewels in an attempt to win his affection. But the arrival of cinema marked the end of his era, and this global sensation was forgotten in just a few years.
Now, La petita malumaluga brings his story back to life through Eva, a possible great-great-granddaughter of Marceline, who dreams of an artistic career while reflecting on the life and tragic fate of her great-great-grandfather. On stage, a dancer, an opera singer, and a string quartet featuring a cello, two violins, and a viola. Additionally, a voice-over allows the adult audience to appreciate a mature narrative while keeping it engaging for children. The show is a respectful tribute to the performing arts, romanticism, and the highs and lows of those who dedicate their lives to art. It offers a radically interactive perspective on both contemporary and early 20th-century performing arts. This production invites all audiences to reflect on the role of art in our society while encouraging babies’ free expression and participation, and interaction between performers and young children through technological objects created by the company.
La petita malumaluga is a Catalan company of musicians and dancers that has been creating inclusive productions for young children, their families, and adults without children for 15 years. The company has toured more than 30 countries across five continents, performing at some of the world’s most prestigious theatres and festivals: Lincoln Center (New York, United States), Théâtre du Châtelet (Paris, France), Weiwuying (Kaohsiung, Taiwan), RomaEuropa (Rome, Italy), SHCAT (Shanghai, China). They focus on respectful creative projects, non-infantilised storytelling, and artistically contemporary productions. At the Barcelona Grec Festival, they previously presented My baby is a queen (2017) and Bob Marley for babies (2021).
A co-production by La petita malumaluga and Teatro Español/Naves del Español at Matadero Madrid
This show is specially recommended for babies, their families, and also for adults without children.
Families with babies will be seated on the stage. Families without babies and adults without children will be seated in the audience area.
Discipline
- Theater
- Music
Dates and times
Friday 18/07 - 18:30 h
Durada
Language
- Català
Prices
Other criteria
- All audiences
Recommended age
Artistic sheet
Original idea: Albert Vilà, Eva Vilamitjana · Script: Albert Vilà · Artistic and musical direction: Albert Vilà · Artistic and choreographic direction: Eva Vilamitjana · Musical quartet direction: Eduard Raventós · Choreography: Eva Vilamitjana · Performers: Elsa Meneses (singer) Eva Vilamitjana (dancer) · Music Quartet: Eduard Raventós, Lluis Peña, David Andujar and Ernest Martínez · Set design: La petita malumaluga · Set construction: Arcadi Escursell · Costume design: Elisa Sanz · Costume production: Goreti Puente and Gabriel Besa · Arrangements: Eduard Raventós · Voice recording: Albert Vilà · Lighting design: Alejandro Castillo and Albert Vilà · Lighting and sound technician: Alejandro · Video design: Blit · Executive producer: Ester Rodríguez · Assistant producer: Silvia Fantou · National and international distribution & communication: Quim Ríos · Graphic design: Hermes LeBleu
Recommend this show