‘La Celestina’ or ‘La Comedia de Calisto y Melibea’ (1499) by Fernando de Rojas is one of the great works of Spanish literature.
It was written during the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella not long after the pivotal year 1492 which brought the discovery of the Americas, the conquest of Granada (Islamic Spain) and the expulsion of the Jews.
This is the beginning of the Spanish colonial period and the Spanish Golden Age in literature and theatre. Theatre was enjoyed by all levels of Spanish society from the royal court to laborers.
The novel is written entirely in dialogue, so it is often staged and filmed.
For context, this is one hundred years before that other pilar of Spanish literature ‘Don Quixote.’
In the Latin world, playwrights, songwriters and poets speak in code to avoid official harassment, exile, even death. The story is a coded critique of the moral rot of medieval Spanish society.
Repertorio Español is very clever to restage La Celestina now, for it also reflects our times. Unloved people will do anything for love. They miss the point that love cannot be acquired, it can only be received.
‘La Celestina’ at Repertorio Español 2019
Cuban New York playwright Leyma López (‘Valor agravio y mujer’) adapts ‘La Celestina’ to the stage for Repertorio Español in 2019.
‘La Celestina’ stars Zulema Clares as la Celestina, Gonzalo Trigueros as Calisto and Carmen Borla as Melibea.
This production marks the Repertorio Español debut of actors Imanol Fuentes, Sandra Gumuzzio and Mario Peguero.
‘La Celestina’ previews begin Friday, February 8, 2019 for a February 12 opening night.
‘La Celestina’ Tickets
Tickets are available at the door and online at repertorio.nyc
From $17 – $72
Repertorio Español
138 East 27th St, New York, NY
(near Lexington Ave)
Kips Bay, Manhattan
