Barcelona welcomes Kulunka Teatro back after several years of absence, as the Basque company hasn't set foot in the city since 2016 despite having taken their shows to 36 countries. They're now coming to the Teatre Condal as part of the Grec Festival program, presenting their latest creation, Forever, a work that explores the evolution of an ordinary family faced with the unexpected twists and turns of life.
This proposal, led by Inaki Rikarte and created together with Edu Cárcamo José Dault y Garbine Insausti —all performers as well as authors—, He opts for gestural theatre, without words and with the use of masks. Created by Insausti herself. For fifteen years, the company has been exploring the language of masks, surprising visitors with the intensity of the emotions they convey despite the absence of verbal dialogue.
An artistic and technical challenge on stage
The assembly of Forever It has been an enormous challenge on a technical and dramatic level. With nearly two years of creative process combined with other tours, the work is supported by a unique set design: a rotating stage that shows three rooms of a house, allowing the action to flow like a film sequence. This approach doubles the complexity of a show where gestures, body language and interaction with masks create an emotional score without the need for text.
The audience sees themselves reflected in the story of excited parents, the arrival of a child, and the difficulties that life imposes: from illness and bullying at school to the progressive lack of communication within the couple. The show is recommended for ages 14 and up. due to the depth of the topics covered and the intensity of some scenes.
A universal language that excites audiences around the world
Kulunka Teatro is recognized for its ability to connect with audiences of any culture.The universality of the themes—family, love, illness, and coexistence—and the use of masks give their performances an expressive power that transcends language barriers. As its members emphasize, they have experienced firsthand that Similar emotions and situations are equally moving in Asia, Europe or America.In the words of Edu Cárcamo, "what we say is easy for anyone to understand."
Forever reflects the complexity of human relationships Through everyday life, humor, and tenderness, avoiding any moralizing tone. The play alternates comic and emotional moments in a balance that keeps the audience engaged throughout the performance, showing how small gestures can trigger great emotions.
Awards, track record and the company's personal seal
Kulunka Teatro's career has been distinguished by critics and awards'Forever' has received notable accolades, such as the most recent Max Awards for Best Director and Writer, consolidating the company's relevance on the national and international stage scene.
The group, whose name in Basque means "to cradle or rock," does not limit its work to masked theater, although this has been one of its most visible hallmarks. Previous productions such as Andre and Dorine —focused on Alzheimer's— and Solitudes —about the need for companionship in old age—, continue to tour, showing the versatility and depth of their proposals. En Forever the focus falls on younger characters, exploring love and its transformations over time.
The collective effort and commitment of the entire team is evident in every detail, from the mask design to the set design and direction. The rehearsal schedule has adapted to their new personal circumstances, balancing family life with the demands of the stage.
With its return to Barcelona, Kulunka Teatro continues to consolidate itself as a company that redefines gestural theatre and that continues to conquer audiences with recognizable and moving stories, told only with the power of gesture and maskThe play "Forever" will be presented at the Teatre Condal from July 23 to 27, offering a unique opportunity to experience a different and profound theatrical experience that leaves a lasting impression on each viewer.