On the occasion of the premiere of "La Monja Alferez" (The Lieutenant Nun), Teatro Circulo sponsored an academic symposium to explore New World dramaturgy.
Teatro Círculo, celebrating its 30th anniversary, presented the United States premiere of the Spanish Golden Age Classic “La monja alférez” (The Lieutenant Nun), under the direction of Daniel Alonso de Santos.
On the occasion of this presentation, a select group of academics that included Professor of Spanish Mina Garcia was invited to explore New World dramaturgy and its interactions with drama in Spain.
“La monja alférez” is the story of Guzmán, a woman, who flees a convent in Spain dressed as a man, travels to The Americas, and becomes a renowned soldier throughout Latin and South America. In Perú, Guzman falls in love with Doña Ana, then leaves her because they cannot consummate the relationship.
Teatro Círculo was launched in 1994 by Founding Artistic Director José Cheo Oliveras to revive the Spanish Golden Age Theatre. They approach themes of Spain’s Golden Age plays not only as universal, but also relevant to the social justice issues of our time, with such contemporary concerns as social mobility, women’s rights, equity, and justice. By pairing both Golden Age experts and practitioners, this symposium brought together theatrical history, heritage and cultures for a fruitful discussion in New York City.