A groundbreaking new opera, 'Los Estunmen', blending classical poetry with 1980s action film aesthetics, premieres at Barcelona's Teatre Lliure de Montjuïc this afternoon. The production by Catalan actors, directors, and dramaturgs Nao Albet and Marcel Borràs features hypertrophied biceps, burning buildings, explosions, and machine guns, marking a unique entry into the operatic genre.
This innovative work is the second instalment of a theatrical trilogy. It began over a decade ago with 'Los Esqueiters'. Marcel Borràs, 36, explained the inspiration behind the project. "We have always been fascinated by the figure of the specialist who helps fiction seem credible by putting their life in danger," he stated. Borràs added that stunt performers embody the contemporary hero. They are the last heirs of a tradition of archetypal figures brought to the big screen.
Blending Classical and Contemporary Themes
The project explores the clashes between ancient and new ideas. Nao Albet, 35, from Barcelona, highlighted this curiosity. "If then we confronted Renaissance philosophers with skaters, here we propose an impossible encounter between classical poets and action doubles," Albet said. He noted that both share an epic condition beyond appearances. This co-production involves several prestigious institutions. These include the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Teatre Lliure in Barcelona, the Teatro Real, and Teatros del Canal in Madrid.
The idea for an opera emerged two years ago. It followed a performance where Albet and Borràs joked about their professional split. Joan Matabosch, artistic director of the Teatro Real, was among the audience. He then proposed an offer they could not refuse. Borràs clarified their intention, according to Time Out Barcelona 'Els Estunmen' review. "At no point did we consider dynamiting anything; on the contrary, we wanted to sublimate our narrative through music and lyrical singing," he explained.
Creative Collaboration and Musical Innovation
Fernando Velázquez, 44, joined the creative team as composer. Velázquez is renowned for film scores like 'The Orphanage' and 'The Impossible'. He described the collaborative process as similar to film work. "The way of working is very similar, as all decisions are made as a team," Velázquez noted. He added that in opera, music generates images rather than accompanying them. Velázquez, who previously worked as a pit cellist at the Teatro Real, is now directing an ensemble of 19 musicians from the Orquestra del Liceu for the Barcelona performances.
Velázquez’s score is a rich collage of references. It combines canonical Baroque forms with Puccini and Wagner leitmotifs. It also incorporates the sound dramaturgy of Heiner Goebbels and a form of Sprechgesang close to rap. He described these recognisable languages as an anthology of musical tropes. These tropes revolve around the hero figure, used throughout history for self-narration. The opera's programme notes describe the music as "hyperbolic music in deconstruction."
Exploring Modern Heroism and Societal Critique
Borràs argued that the hero narrative has been co-opted by power. "That narrative has been hijacked by power to traffic with the concept of success," he stated. He drew parallels to figures like Trump and Wall Street gurus. These individuals operate under classical hero precepts, while invisible, precarious workers toil in the shadows. The opera's libretto uses ancient ideals of sacrifice and valour as a pretext for neoliberalism. Albet reflected on their research. "To unmask the monster and map its drift, we have resorted to essays by Joseph Campbell, Franco Berardi, and Enrique Gil Calvo," he explained. These works analyse how the hero has become the problem, and villains often hold the key to the solution.
'Los Estunmen' is restricted to audiences aged 15 and over. It delivers adrenaline and testosterone throughout. Actress Nuria Lloansi portrays the protagonist, a mother seeking to avenge her son's death. She uses every weapon at her disposal. Borràs commented on the violence depicted. "Violence here is not so much a choice as a consequence of the world in which the characters move," he said. He emphasised Lloansi's role in conveying a more Chekhovian and dramatic emotion. The production also features special effects by In Extremis. This company provides accident simulations and action scenes. Albet and Borràs themselves will perform as two laurel-crowned classical poets on stage.
This unique operatic experience offers a critical look at contemporary heroism. It challenges traditional narratives through a blend of high art and popular culture. Performances at the Teatre Lliure de Montjuïc will continue to explore these complex themes. The production then moves to Madrid in June, promising a thought-provoking spectacle for audiences.
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Originally published by El País Barcelona. Read original article.
