The Teatro del Mercado in Zaragoza will host 'Línea de fondo', a new production by the local theatre company Nasú Teatro, from 13 to 15 November. Directed by David Ardid, the play features actors Irene Alquézar and Claudia Siba, who previously collaborated in 'Bodas de sangre' by Teatro del Temple.
'Línea de fondo' explores themes of mental health, the pressure to succeed, and the challenges of expressing emotional suffering. The narrative centres on Alba, a young athlete preparing for a crucial match, whose aspirations are thwarted by an injury, leading to a crisis that extends beyond sports. Raquel, her coach, struggles to understand Alba's pain, highlighting the difficulties in communication and the weight of external expectations.
According to Alquézar, her experiences working with adolescents in educational settings have shaped her understanding of the intense pressure young people face from their peers. She noted, "The pressure that individuals exert on one another and the conscious or unconscious bullying that can occur is striking." A high-profile case of youth suicide further motivated her to tackle these issues through theatre.
Performance details
Performances are scheduled for Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November at 20:00, and Sunday 15 November at 19:00. Tickets are available on the Teatro del Mercado's website.
Thematic exploration
The play delves into the contradiction between the façade of having it all and the emotional realities individuals face. David Ardid emphasises the importance of addressing the disconnect between how people perceive one another and the deeper struggles they endure, stating, "We hear each other, we see each other, but we do not listen deeply."
Alquézar summarises the essence of the play with the phrase, "It's that you don't listen to me," reflecting on the challenges of communication in a society dominated by social media. Nasú Teatro aims to use theatre as a space for collective reflection on uncomfortable realities, encouraging audiences to confront difficult questions.
Production and expertise
'Línea de fondo' features a naturalistic and contemporary staging style, influenced by cinematic techniques, with a dynamic rhythm and relatable performances. The sound design by Martín Latas and the simple yet fluid set by Melquíades enhance the audience's connection with the characters.
To ensure a sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, Nasú Teatro collaborated with experts including Santiago Gascón, a psychology professor at the University of Zaragoza, and Isabel Irigoyen, a psychiatrist involved in suicide prevention strategies in Aragón. Their guidance was pivotal in shaping the production's approach to this critical topic.
About Nasú Teatro
Founded in 1993 by Alfonso Pablo and David Ardid, Nasú Teatro began with clown and humour-based performances across Spain. Their recent works include 'Calígula', which won the Santa Isabel de Portugal Award for Best Classical Show, and 'Mal… pero Bien'. With 'Línea de fondo', they continue to explore human stories and contemporary conflicts, addressing pressing social issues through the medium of theatre.
