The actor Miguel Rellán (in the photo ©Javier Naval) stars in El maestro Juan Martínez, que estaba allí (The master Juan Martinez who was there), the stage adaptation of the monumental novel by Manuel Chaves Nogales, at the Teatro de La Abadía (calle Fernández de los Ríos, 42), starting on 28 November, directed by Xavier Albertí. The play will be on display until next December 22.
Can you imagine that they can tell you the great episodes of the story in a cabaret key? Can you imagine that the great revolutions of the early 20th century could be narrated to the rhythm of flamenco and castanets? Can you imagine how he could survive the Russian civil war between the Tsars and the Bolsheviks as a variety artist?
The publication of his complete work has generated a huge amount of passion and admiration for a writer who did not occupy the place that he deserves. The uniqueness of his El maestro Juan Martínez, que estaba allí connects him with the great tradition of the Spanish picaresca. The echoes of Lazarillo, those of the exemplary novels of Cervantes, Quevedo… continue to feed a marvellous look at history and the ability to survive of the indirect protagonists who suffer the dictates of the powerful. “In a borderline situation, in a war, for example, where do our principles go?” , asks actor Miguel Rellán, the absolute protagonist of this monologue of little more than an hour in length.
The play tells how Juan Martínez, a Castizo born in Burgos, dancer and variety artist, and his companion Sole, undertake a unique life and work adventure just days before the outbreak of the Great War of 1914. Istanbul, Bucharest, Saint Petersburg, Moscow or Kiev will be the backdrop for the most devastating war episodes of that Great War. The cabarets, casinos and pensions of those cities will be the places where our protagonists will try to survive. Tickets can be purchased at this link.
