FILIPO
Filipo is a satirical mirror of social cruelty. It is a raw denunciation of the media and of individual voyeurism that turns other people's tragedies into mere spectacle, a banal show. A reality program where everyone enjoys the suffering of others. A piece in which the audience becomes the main character, and where Filipo’s tragedy lies in his constant failure—even in his pursuit of death. Filipo explores the endless complexity of the bonds between parents and children, and between desire and death.
La Turba
FILIPO
About the Piece
The character of Filipo draws from and feeds on archetypal figures who have been objects of a dark power that emerges from within and spreads toxically around them—such as Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, Woyzeck, or Roberto Zucco.
As a man of the 21st century, Filipo is surrounded by one of today’s great tools of mass alienation: television. The piece includes choreographies in the style of MTV, interviews reminiscent of trashy gossip shows, and infomercial-style commercials, among others. This television aesthetic creates a “flash” sensation throughout the scenes, as if the entire narrative unfolds between blinks.
Suicide is treated as a vital theme. It belongs to the realm of life, not death. Through his repeated suicide attempts, Filipo searches for his place in society. It is a journey inward, in search of an individual identity that seems increasingly difficult to grasp today.
Trayectory
Published in the collection “Textos Dramáticos” by the Center for Research and Resources of the Performing Arts of Andalusia 2025
Staged reading at URGEN MUSAS International Festival 2023 Mexico
Radar de los Trabajadores Festival Buenos Aires 2018 Argentina
Independent Theatre Meeting La Plata 2017 Argentina
Season at Teatro El Tinglado Buenos Aires 2017 Argentina
Independent Theatre Meeting La Plata 2017 Argentina
Featured work in the ¡Madrid Activa! Catalogue 2016
Finalist at Certamen Desencaja 2015 Spain
Theatre Nights Festival at Auditorio Costa Rica Cádiz 2014 Spain
ARTISTIC AND TECHNICAL CREDITS
Cast in Argentina: Paula Flaks, Federico Tarantola, Bruno Giraldi, Raul Jiménez, Lola Vera, Amanda Berrueco, Micaela Shinka, Agustina Cáceres
Cast in Spain: Lola Solís, Cristian Ávila, Iván Mayo, Natán Segado, Cristina García, María Cazenave, Guillermina Torresi, Gonzalo Márquez
Music: Tentudía
Script, Choreography, and Direction: Carlota Berzal
Production: La Turba Company
Filipo is more than a theatre piece—it is a set of universes contained within the universe of the story it tells. Structured as a surreal and at times grotesque reality show, it portrays the life of Filipo, a miserable soul condemned to a bleak existence, constantly under the suffocating presence of an omnipotent mother. Magically, the tortuous relationship, seemingly impossible to heal, becomes—through a masterful narrative composition—a hymn to that unique and unrepeatable bond that every human being carries. Its ending will leave many with a lump in the throat and a tear ready to fall. Entertaining and accessible, the piece also includes moments of humor, songs, and gags that round out Filipo into a structurally complete experience—both verbally and visually. With outstanding performances, Filipo is more than recommended: it is a gift to the viewer’s soul.
(Carlos Otero – ArgenPress)
Unquestionably, it is an intelligently different script, presented in an unusual way, with a sarcastic and analytical perspective. From the very beginning it feels like a circus—because, in fact, it is. We are plunged into the arena of life with someone who dominates, someone who obeys, and many who stigmatize; people who sing and dance, and others who judge. Are they all puppets? Are we all being controlled? Every audience member wishing to break stereotypes and debunk myths through theatre should see this. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
(Estela Gómez – Cultura del Ser)
With only a few deliberately chosen biographical traces, one can grasp the totality of a life. Not unique in the universe, nor disgustingly framed as “normal” or “everyday”: Filipo’s life is simply an example of what so often happens today. It is not a generalization, nor a problem to be minimized. The hopeful message emerges through Filipo’s own development. Armed with learned tools, he is able to loosen the knot that binds him.
(Jesica Guarrina- Spectavi)