'Amigos intocables' play aims for emotion without clichés

The theatrical production "Amigos intocables," based on the 2011 French film, has premiered in Mexico City, aiming to evoke emotion without falling into common theatrical pitfalls. The play centers on the relationship between Felipe, a wealthy man left quadriplegic after an accident and deep in depression, and Abel, a young, unprepared man from the neighborhood who becomes his caregiver. Their dynamic forms the core of an unconditional friendship.

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The text is like a hug to the heart and the work on stage can be seen from different perspectives. I knew Tony from his work in film but we hadn't worked together, I think our meeting has been very fortunate, there are many people I admire in this cast.

Manuel Cruz Vivas, who plays Abel, described the script as "a hug to the heart" and expressed his fortunate collaboration with co-star Tony Dalton, whom he knew from his film work. "There are many people I admire in this cast," Cruz Vivas added, highlighting the ensemble's contribution to the production.

Dalton, portraying Felipe, mentioned having seen the original film but felt an immediate connection to the character upon reading the script. He noted that while he had never performed comedy before, Abel's "fine humor" immediately appealed to him. "I immediately said, 'I want to do this,'" he commented.

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I had seen the film (France, 2011) but when I read the script, there was an immediate connection with the character. I had never done comedy before and finding Abel, who has such fine humor, caught my attention and I immediately said, ‘I want to do this.’

Director Angélica Rogel received praise for her adaptation, which not only updated the characters' vocabulary but also situated the story within a current Mexican context. Cruz Vivas stated, "Everything is a great success, from the adaptation, which our director did, because she not only changed the characters' vocabulary but placed the story's context in a current Mexico. When one talks about Mexican comedy, we go to common places with the characters, but what she did was not to fall into clichés."

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Everything is a great success, from the adaptation, which our director did, because she not only changed the characters' vocabulary but placed the story's context in a current Mexico. When one talks about Mexican comedy, we go to common places with the characters, but what she did was not to fall into clichés.

Producer Morris Gilbert noted that the production fulfills a long-standing desire to work with Tony Dalton again, 15 years after their last collaboration. The play's run at the Teatro Centenario Coyoacán will depend on audience response, as Dalton is confirmed for all performances without an alternate.

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Doing theater is a blessing for an actor. When you are in front of the audience, that's when you realize everything, because when you are in cinema or television it's different, there is no connection, it's a bit colder; here you feel everything and you are in the moment.