Madrid’s Teatro María Guerrero is currently hosting a production that’s resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike: La última noche con mi hermano (The Last Night With My Brother). The play, written and directed by Alfredo Sanzol, explores themes of loss, grief, and familial love with a rawness that’s proving both emotionally challenging and profoundly moving.
Sanzol, a playwright and theatre director with a distinguished career including winning the National Dramatic Literature Prize in 2016 for his play La respiración, and the Valle-Inclán Theatre Prize in 2017 for La ternura, has built a reputation for work that blends humor with deeply personal and often difficult subject matter. He’s currently serving as director of the Centro Dramático Nacional, and La última noche con mi hermano marks a significant moment in his tenure.
The production features a cast of six: Elisabet Gelabert, Ariadna Llobet, Nuria Mencía, Biel Montoro, Jesús Noguero, and Cristóbal Suárez. The play isn’t simply confined to Madrid, however. Following its run at the Teatro María Guerrero, the production is scheduled to tour to several other Spanish cities, including Pamplona, Donostia, Valencia, Seville, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Barcelona, with the latter’s Teatro Nacional de Catalunya serving as a co-producer.
While details about the plot remain somewhat guarded, the play is described as an “approximation to pain, mourning and fraternal love.” The title itself suggests a focus on the complex dynamics between siblings facing an impending loss. Sanzol’s work often delves into the intricacies of human relationships, and this production appears to be no exception.
Alfredo Sanzol’s career spans over two decades, beginning with Steven Berkoff’s Greek in 1999. He’s known for both directing his own plays and adapting classic works, including Waiting for Godot, Oedipus Rex, and La dama boba. His ability to breathe new life into established texts, alongside his original writing, has earned him numerous accolades, including eight Max Awards for the Performing Arts, recognizing both his authorship and directorial achievements.
The play’s premiere comes at a time when audiences are increasingly seeking emotionally resonant experiences. The theatrical landscape has seen a growing demand for works that tackle difficult themes with honesty, and vulnerability. La última noche con mi hermano appears to be positioned to meet that demand, offering a space for reflection on universal experiences of loss and the enduring power of family bonds.
Sanzol’s approach to theatre is characterized by stylistic inventiveness and a commitment to exploring new dramatic structures. He’s known for his profound understanding of theatrical craft, and his work often challenges conventional expectations. This willingness to experiment and push boundaries is evident in his diverse body of work, which includes productions like Risas y Destrucción, Delicadas, and La calma mágica.
The production’s tour schedule suggests a deliberate effort to reach a broad audience across Spain. By bringing the play to multiple cities, the Centro Dramático Nacional and its co-producers are ensuring that a wider range of theatregoers have the opportunity to experience Sanzol’s work. This commitment to accessibility is a key aspect of the Centro Dramático Nacional’s mission.
Agustín Argüello, the Argentine actor and singer, is not directly involved in this production. However, his career trajectory, beginning with reality shows like Operación Triunfo and La Academia, and progressing to roles in musicals such as The Lion King, Les Misérables, and Ghost: The Musical, demonstrates a similar dedication to performance and emotional depth. He received a nomination for Best Male Performance in a Musical for his work in Ghost: El Musical.
Born in Córdoba, Argentina, in 1989, Argüello’s background in music and theatre highlights the interconnectedness of the performing arts. His early life, influenced by his architect parents and his father’s encouragement of musical pursuits, laid the foundation for his successful career. While his path differs from Sanzol’s, both artists share a commitment to exploring the human condition through their respective mediums.
The play is rated as not recommended for children under the age of seven, indicating the mature themes and potentially emotionally challenging content. This rating underscores the play’s intention to engage with complex issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way.
As La última noche con mi hermano continues its run and tour, it’s poised to solidify Alfredo Sanzol’s position as one of Spain’s most important contemporary playwrights and directors. The production’s success will likely spark further discussion about the role of theatre in addressing difficult emotions and fostering empathy among audiences.