Great innovator of the Córdoba scene, Paco Gimenez, has been surprising for years with each of its theatrical productions. Founder of the iconic space The garage, in the Güemes neighborhood of La Docta, which next year will celebrate four decades of existence, attracted the attention of the public and critics with the premiere of “While the philosophers sleep,” a co-production of the Cervantes National Theater in conjunction with the Royal Theater of Córdoba.
The proposal, a “utopian story”, as the director himself defines it, is based on the work “La Cueva Caliente” (1954), by the Argentine writer, poet and journalist. Raúl González Tuñón (1905-1974). A precursor of social and urban poetry, he was an intellectual with a political commitment that on more than one occasion led him to attend international events where he established his position against fascism, along with intellectuals of the time such as Pablo Neruda, whom he united with. a deep friendship.
The story of the piece, recreated by Giménez for the stage translation, takes place in a fictitious time and place in which the Industrial Revolution It is crystallized with the exaggerated concentration of money in a capital character in the plot: the King of Money. The underworld bosses, the beggars and the prostitutes are going through a deep crisis because the hungry people have no money. Ransoms cannot be paid for kidnappings, there is nothing to steal from people, the homeless do not receive alms and even the brothels are empty.
These outcasts of society, starving, decide to question him to demand that he improve the conditions of the population and be able to recover the profitability of crime. Thus, united, they will defeat the revolutionary workers, giving in to some small demands, but not ceasing to maintain ownership of the goods.
With simple and imaginative visual resources, the large cast responds to Giménez’s demands and adapts with talent to his welcome creative madness. Rickety chairs, flashlights made from plastic bottles and
A large table that functions as a desk, bed or storage area, contributes to building fascinating scenes, in a farcical tone. There is even a love story that arises between the daughter of the almighty and the leader of the workers, very well resolved, playing with fabrics and shadows.
It is hoped that the TNC Produce program in the country will continue from strength to strength in the coming years and that each of the shows will also be able to hold several performances in Buenos Aires.
