The tragicomedy Stellae, written by Iria Márquez during the V Ínsula Dramataria – Josep Lluis Sirera Laboratory, explores communication from various perspectives. The piece, produced by Vivirei Teatro, investigates the relationship with language in an era of hyper-connection, examining how words weave bonds and help grasp reality.
The staging is notable for its plasticity and syncretism, featuring large projections of stars and astrological phenomena that accompany a simple set design centered around a shared table, a symbol of many personal relationships.
The audience follows for a year a family that moves to a small town for the father's work at an astronomical observatory. The mother, a neurolinguist, takes a break, while the teenage daughter struggles to adapt to rural life. Joining the cast is an elderly neighbor diagnosed with aphasia, a condition involving the loss of speech.
Through four key moments around the table over 12 months, the characters, played by Iria Márquez, Vicent Pastor, Lucía Torres, and Marisa Lahoz, undergo a profound transformation. The five scenes depict how phrases can flow with enthusiasm or falter, reflecting the breakdown of connection among those living together.
“"Aphasia is a disease that generally affects older people. But all of us, at one time or another, experience alterations in our ability to communicate"
Márquez uses the parallel with astronomy to emphasize the idea that 'every home is a world,' transforming the country house living room into a universe where characters illuminate or cast shadows on each other. The play prompts reflection on whether we speak too much or too little, and if we feel heard.
From Thursday, June 4th, to Sunday, June 7th, audiences can enjoy this piece that, blending drama and comedy, addresses themes such as family relationships, ageism, the connection to work, and the depopulated Spain, emphasizing the value of human communication.
Additionally, Sala Russafa is participating in the new edition of Russafart (June 5th-7th), opening artists' studios and hosting the exhibition by Colectiva 27 – Associació de Dones Artistes in its hall.
On Sunday, June 7th, before the performance of Stellae, the Sala Russafa Audience Awards ceremony will take place, recognizing the most highly-rated shows by attendees. The ceremony is free with admission to Sunday's performance.
