GALA Hispanic Theatre is proud to present Fuenteovejuna, a timeless masterpiece by Spain’s most celebrated Golden Age playwright, Lope de Vega, in a gripping new version by acclaimed playwright Juan Mayorga. Directed by Helen Hayes award-winning director José Luis Arellano, this powerful production runs from February 6 to March 2, 2025 in Spanish with English surtitles. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm at GALA Theatre. The Noche de GALA (Opening Night) is Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 8 pm. Fuenteovejuna is appropriate for ages 14 and up and runs approximately two hours, including one 15-minute intermission. ‘Fuenteovejuna’ illustration by Ariel Gómez Fuenteovejuna stands as a resonant exploration of the people’s right to rise against tyranny and oppression. Written in 1613 and based on historical events, the play tells the story of the villagers of Fuenteovejuna, who suffer under the brutal rule of a corrupt and arrogant commander. Driven to the breaking point, the citizens led by women discover strength in unity and seize power. This stirring tale of collective resistance against abuse of power remains as relevant today as it was over four centuries ago, resonating deeply with modern audiences. ABOUT THE PRODUCTION The cast features Iker Lastra (Comendador) who appeared in Don Juan Tenorio, and Julia Adun (Laurencia), who is making her GALA debut. Other cast members include company member Luz Nicolás (Flores) and Catherine Núñez (Pascuala), who appeared in The Palacios Sisters, and Luis Obed (Mengo), who appeared in Momia en el clóset: Evita’s Return; Samy Khalil (Frondoso), who appeared in Cervantes: El último Quijote; Edwin Bernal (Maestre), who was seen in La llamada de Sylvia Méndez; and Ariel Texidó (Esteban), who appeared in El perro del hortelano. Scenic Design is by Giorgos Tsappas, with Lighting and Sound Design by Jesús D. Cortés and Costume Design by Cidney Forkpah. Pauline Lamb is Properties Designer and Andre Hopfer is Hair and Makeup Designer. David Peralto is Poetry and Verse Consultant, Cat Moreschi is Stage Manager, Ilyana Rose-Dávila is Production Manager and Jon Townson is Technical Director. Camilo Montoya is Company Manager. ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT, ADAPTER, AND DIRECTOR Lope de Vega (Playwright) was a prolific Spanish playwright, poet, and novelist, hailed as a leading figure of Spain’s Golden Age. Born in Madrid, he revolutionized Spanish theater with his “New Art of Writing Plays,” blending tragedy and comedy while focusing on relatable characters and themes of love, honor, and social justice. Over his lifetime, Lope authored more than 1,500 plays, including masterpieces like Fuenteovejuna, The Dog in the Manger, and The Knight of Olmedo. A gifted poet and novelist, his works also encompassed lyric poetry and novels such as La Dorotea. Although his life was marked by personal turmoil, Lope’s artistic legacy endures, cementing him as one of the greatest writers in Spanish literature. Juan Mayorga (Adapter) is a renowned Spanish playwright, considered one of the greatest dramatists of recent decades both nationally and internationally. With a background in Mathematics and a doctorate in Philosophy, his true passion lies in theater. He directs the Master of Theater Creation at Carlos III University in Madrid, where he also holds the Chair of Performing Arts, and has taught Dramaturgy and Philosophy at the Royal School of Dramatic Art in Madrid. Mayorga co-founded the Teatro del Astillero, a theatrical research group, and collaborated with the company Animalario. His acclaimed works include The Boy in the Back Row (2006), Perpetual Peace (2007), and The Tongue in Pieces (2012). His plays have been staged internationally, and some adapted into films. José Luis Arellano (Director) is a director of theater, opera, and television. He graduated from the Royal School of Dramatic Art in Madrid. He has worked as an assistant director at Teatro Real on productions such as Benjamin Britten’s The Little Sweep and Martín y Soler’s El tutor burlado. In 2012, he directed Guillem Clua’s Skin in Flames at the Centro Dramático Nacional, nominated for a MAX Award. Internationally, he directed The Knight from Olmedo, ¡Ay, Carmela!, Yerma, and most recently Revoltosa at GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, DC. For his work on Yerma, he won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Director of a Play. Since 2009, he has directed the Municipal School of Theater in Parla, mentoring over 300 students. His notable opera work includes Cinderella by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Spain’s first opera performed entirely by children. Fuenteovejuna runs February 6 – March 2, 2025, at GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009. Tickets are $48 (Thu/Sun), $50 (Fri/Sat), $35 (Seniors 65+, Military, Groups 10+), $25 (Under 25), $55 (Noche de GALA). Visit www.galatheatre.org or call (202) 234-7174 for details. GALA offers 4 wheelchair-accessible spaces and an elevator for easy access from the entrance to the lobby and theater. Parking is available for $4 at the Giant garage on Park Rd NW (validate your ticket in the theater lobby). Additional parking is available at the Target garage on Park Rd NW between 14th and 16th Streets. GALA is just one block north of the Columbia Heights Metro station (Green/Yellow lines).