KATHIE AND THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

Last season saw the beginning of one of the most important stage production projects by Natalio Grueso as head of the Teatro Español: the production of all of Mario Vargas Llosa's dramatic work.  After the success of La Chunga, which nearly 20,000 viewers enjoyed in its fifty-eight performances, the next production coming out will be Kathie and the Hoppopotamus.  Directed by Magüi Mira, it will be performed at Naves del Español and will feature Ana Belén in the lead role.

Kathie, a member of the high society of Lima, Peru, hires a university professor, Santiago Zavala, to write a book about the trip she has made through Asia and Africa.  A reflection by Mario Vargas Llosa on the origin of tales, and, as with La Chunga, the fantasy and imagination we use to create stories that haven't happened in reality.  “When I wrote the piece" said Vargas Llosa regarding his work, "I didn't even know how deep a topic it was: the relationship between life and fiction, alchemy, which fascinates me because I understand it less the more I practice it." Kathie and the Hippopotamus premiered in 1983 in Caracas, directed by Emilio Alfaro and starring Argentinian actress Norma Aleandro leading the cast.

ARTISTIC TEAM: Set design Gabriel Carrascal Lighting José Manuel Guerra Costume designer Helena Sánchis Musical composition David San José Assistant director Hugo Nieto

A production of Teatro Español