Mother-Son Bond Explored in Buenos Aires Production of "To See Her Again"
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The play "Por el placer de volver a verla" (To See Her Again) is being staged at Paseo La Plaza in Buenos Aires, starring Miguel Ángel Solá and Mercedes Funes.
- Directed by Manuel González Gil, the production explores themes of memory, a mother-son relationship, and the influence of literature and theater.
- The play, written by Michel Tremblay, has been staged multiple times by the director, with this being its third iteration.
Buenos Aires – The play "Por el placer de volver a verla" (To See Her Again), penned by Quebecois playwright Michel Tremblay, is currently captivating audiences at Paseo La Plaza. This production marks the third time director Manuel González Gil has brought Tremblay's poignant work to the stage, featuring acclaimed actors Miguel Ángel Solá and Mercedes Funes.
Originally staged in Buenos Aires in 2009 with Virginia Lago and Manuel Callau, and later in Madrid in 2010 with Miguel Ángel Solá and Blanca Oteyza, Gil now revisits the piece after a tour across Argentina. The play delves into the complex relationship between a son, Miguel, a literary scholar and playwright, and his mother. Through Miguel's memories, the audience encounters his mother as an intensely strong, almost overwhelming figure who shaped his values and introduced him to the worlds of novels and theater.
Tremblay, known for his prolific career since the 1960s, often crafts characters and settings that use language distinct from mainstream society, reflecting his own background in a working-class Montreal neighborhood. "Por el placer de volver a verla," believed to be a tribute to his mother, showcases his affinity for developing powerful female personalities. The narrative follows Miguel's journey from childhood to professional success, contrasting his somber nature with his mother's vibrant, truth-seeking demeanor.
The performances by Solá and Funes are noted for their wisdom and sensitivity, bringing to life a dynamic where strict rules coexist with profound love. The play offers a compelling look at how a mother's influence can profoundly shape a child's identity and career, exploring themes of memory, truth, and the enduring power of familial bonds.
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.