Celestina

• Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2017 – Wednesday, April 26, 2017
• Time: 7:30pm
• Venue:
• Admission: Free

First published in 1499, Celestina (originally, Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea) is widely recognized as one of the greatest works in Spanish literature and described as “a dirty Romeo and Juliet,” which Shakespeare probably read. As a closet drama, a staged reading of the script closely mimics how the piece was originally intended to be enjoyed.

In this special production, the performers will be accompanied by projected images, acquired from the vast collection compiled by Prof. Enrique Fernandez (http://en.celestinavisual.org) of the University of Manitoba. This unique combination of reading and multimedia will bring the script to life in a way that has never been seen before.

The plot revolves around the story of two 'star-crossed' lovers, Calisto and Melibea. The arrogant and wealthy Calisto, unable to win the love of Melibea, enlists the help of his 'dutiful' servant Sempronio to help his cause. Sempronio in turn looks to old matchmaker and sorceress Celestina, to help his master. Celestina and the Sempronio plot to take as much 'compensation' as they can from Calisto. With everyone out for themselves, multiple back-stabbings and double-crosses, only few will survive until the end of this hilarious and tragic literary classic.

Thank you to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Knowledge Mobilization Grant Program for making this production possible.