La Belloch Teatro’s (Madrid) production was written and directed by playwright Abel González Melo and stars Beatriz Argüello and Ernesto Arias, two renowned performers who have been linked to Teatro de La Abadía since the beginning of their careers. Although the text is the same in both performances, the exchange of characters introduces new nuances into the conflicts and relationships between the protagonists.
A STORY THAT CHANGES DEPENDING ON WHO STARS IN IT
The play, loosely inspired by "An Enemy of the People" by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, takes audiences to a prosperous European city on the Mediterranean coast whose economy depends on a successful international spa resort. Petra and Tomás live there, a married couple who enjoy an apparently privileged situation until an unexpected crisis threatens their stability.
In the first version, Petra is the city’s mayor and Tomás, her husband, is the spa’s doctor. Economic interests, political responsibilities and personal secrets begin to collide, forcing them both to make decisions that will test their principles and their relationship.
In the second performance, however, the roles are reversed: Tomás becomes mayor and Petra becomes the doctor. The plot and dialogue remain unchanged, but the shift in roles invites the audience to view events from another perspective and question whether the same decisions are interpreted differently depending on the gender of the person making them.
Through this theatrical device, "Protocolo" explores issues including the defense of truth against economic interests, political responsibility, ethical dilemmas and conflicts between public and private life.
TWO AWARD-WINNING ACTORS ON STAGE
One of the production’s main attractions is the participation of Beatriz Argüello and Ernesto Arias, two performers with extensive careers in Spanish theater.
Argüello has worked with institutions including the National Classical Theatre Company, the National Drama Centre, Teatro Español and Teatro de La Abadía. In 2016, she received the Miguel Mihura Award for Best Actress in Theater, and in 2023 she was recognized with the MET Award for Best Director for Valor, agravio y mujer.
Ernesto Arias, for his part, has pursued a career as an actor, director and teacher, taking part in numerous classical and contemporary productions. In 2024, he received the Actors’ Union Award for Best Theater Performer.
DATES AND TIMES FOR PROTOCOLO IN ZARAGOZA
Teatro de la Estación will host both performances at 7 p.m., although each day will offer a different version of the story. Tickets are available on the theater’s website starting at 16 euros.
