La Celestina by Fernando de Rojas constitutes one of the great classics of European drama. For this occasion, the Teatre Lliure is hosting the French version by Michel Garneau, an adaptation directed by Canadian Robert Lepage that casts Catalan actress Núria Espert in the role of Celestina.

The staging, which is done very much in the cinematographic style, begins at the end: Melibea appears dead, struck by love. From there begins the narration of the passionate story of Melibea and Calixto, a young man trapped by desire. The set design is magnificent, formed by wood panels that move on tracks and which together make up a whole array of scenery, and the relationships between the characters unfold gradually.

Jealously, avarice, suspicion, sex, distrust... these are the forces that lead the protagonists to lie and steal, laugh and cry. The old Spanish contrasts with the modernity and present-day relevance of the situations portrayed. During the performance the actors bear their souls and, at the same time, their bodies, showing the near absence of modesty of the lower classes of the era as well as the high sexual content of the story.

This production features masterful performances by Catalan actors such as Núria Espert, David Selvas and Pep Molina, along with Spaniards such as Carmen Arévalo, Roberto Mori and Carmen del Valle. Each one, accompanied by music and staging, adds credibility to a text that is both tragic and comical, one that consistently captures the interest of spectators.