Relying upon local talent and the power of translation, the town’s performance of La celosa de sí misma is sure to be a memorable one. Tirso de Molina’s comedy, set in the beautiful city of Madrid, brings to light the problems that can arise from strong male desire and the conflict between reality and ideal through the complicated love story of Melchor and Magdalena, a pair who are engaged, but have never actually met.
With the plot transpiring over a short time period of just three days, the play is quick to jump straight into the action. Arriving from León, the confident and charming Melchor anticipates the long-awaited meeting of his affluent, young fiancée, Magdalena. Before the pair are introduced, Melchor, accompanied by his ever-loyal servant and the play’s much-needed comic relief, Ventura, attends a Mass service where he is enamoured by a veiled lady, of whom he only saw her “hand of crystal.” Unbeknown to Melchor, this elegant woman is no other than Magdalena, dressed in disguise to test the loyalty of her soon-to-be husband. Will the marriage go ahead as planned? Or will this put Melchor’s future prospects in jeopardy?
Remarkably, despite the play being written in the 17th century, it still bears great relevance to our modern day society. Melchor’s perception of perfect beauty and Magdalena’s identity struggle mirror the troubles that so many are facing, as the result of the pressures that mount from social media’s overwhelming popularity. This adaptation of Tirso’s comedy will be sure to show that the dating scene 300 years ago was just as complicated as it is today!
‘A clever and creative take on this captivating comedy. Well worth the watch.’
Hertfordshire Mercury
‘Playful yet powerful… thoroughly recommend’
Bishop’s Stortford Independent