Spanish playwright Juan Mayorga honored as Illustrious Citizen of Montevideo

Renowned Spanish playwright and director Juan Mayorga received the distinguished honor of being named an Illustrious Citizen of Montevideo on Monday. The ceremony, held at the historic Solís Theater, celebrated Mayorga's significant artistic contributions and his decades-long relationship with the Uruguayan theater scene.

Visibly moved by the distinction, Mayorga pledged to "work to deserve it." He shared his lifelong admiration for Uruguayan literature, particularly the works of writer Juan Carlos Onetti. Mayorga also spoke about his growing awareness of Montevideo and Uruguay's crucial role in the history of Spanish theater, noting the past work of prominent figures like Margarita Xirgu and José Estruch in the city. This historical connection, he explained, has fostered a continuous dialogue between Uruguayan and Spanish theater, including artists in exile.

Mayorga, a recipient of the Princess of Asturias Award for Literature in 2022, emphasized his deep appreciation for Uruguayan theater and its creators. He views theaters as vital spaces for peace and freedom, stressing the importance of listening to both theatergoers and those who do not attend. "We have to be listening at all times, and that is why silence is so important, because without silence we cannot hear others," he stated.

Montevideo's Intendant, Mario Begara, described the honor as a "tributary recognition" of a shared history and vision. Mayorga is currently in Uruguay to lead a masterclass on his dramaturgical concepts, conflict, time, and language as living elements of theater, and to oversee the staging of his play 'Reikiavik,' directed by Uruguayan Mariana Wainstein.