Contemporánea Condeduque, part of Madrid's Area of Culture, Tourism and Sport, is set to host a double theatrical programme by the Argentine company Piel de Lava. The performances include 'petróleo' on 21 and 22 October, followed by 'parlamento' on 23 and 24 October.
Exploring identity and political representation
Both pieces delve into themes central to Piel de Lava's work since its establishment in 2003, such as identity construction, political representation, and the ways theatre can create fiction through group dynamics.
Petróleo
'Petróleo' is set in an oil field in Patagonia, where four men live in a trailer just metres away from a nearly empty well. Below, the earth fractures to extract the last drops of black gold, while above, their leisure time is filled with dust and physical challenges. In this fifth production, Piel de Lava explores the possibility of embodying male characters, engaging in a constant dialogue about generating fiction through specific group procedures and examining gender construction and stereotypes.
Parlamento
'Parlamento' examines the theatricality of contemporary political discourse within a dystopian setting. A group of female parliamentarians engage in incessant and circular debates while the Earth—what remains of it—has become an abstraction, a place besieged by flames. From a vessel that protects these four representatives from the fire, the Global Orbital Parliament members fulfil their duties, vote on laws, sing anthems, and desperately cling to performance.
About piel de lava
Piel de Lava is a renowned Argentine theatre company, founded in Buenos Aires in 2003. With over 20 years of experience, the group consists of actresses, playwrights, and directors Elisa Carricajo, Valeria Correa, Pilar Gamboa, and Laura Paredes. Their notable works include 'colores verdaderos' (2003), 'neblina' (2005), 'tren' (2010), 'museo' (2014), 'petróleo' (2018), and 'parlamento' (2023). The company has received accolades such as the Konex Special Mention Award (2021) and recognition at the Martín Fierro Theatre Awards (2024).
