Teatro Cervantes

Last night Emily and I went to see La Cena De Los Generales at Teatro Cervantes. Teatro Cervantes is a big beautiful theater near Plaza de la Merced. In the play the Spanish Civil War has just ended and Franco has called for a celebratory dinner for the generals that have led him to victory. Lieutenant Medina is in charge of making sure that the dinner goes over perfectly. However, all of the kitchen staff is currently nonexistent or in jail due to their political beliefs. Since there is such a shortage of good cooks he decides to break them out of jail in order to guarantee a delicious meal for Franco. The entire play takes place in the kitchen as the cooks are slaving away preparing the meal.

After the meal is over Franco makes a surprise appearance in the kitchen and stares at the Spanish flag hanging above the kitchen door. He mutters something to his guards and leaves. The manager of the hotel asks the lieutenant what Franco said and he says, "He says the flag is slanted." "Did he say if he liked the food?" the manager asks. "He didn't say anything about the food," the lieutenant responds. The play is very humorous but also highlights the corrupt and militaristic rule of Franco. The director Miguel Narros says that, "we have a need to and our condemned to understand ourselves. We are in charge of reconstructing our coexistence, which is why the kitchen represents a devastated Spain that must be put back in order." I am really looking forward to seeing other productions at this theater!