The play, written by Yolanda García Serrano and Juan Carlos Rubio, narrates the profound moral dilemma faced by the renowned cellist in 1943, during his exile in France. At that time, Casals was pressured to perform for Hitler, but his refusal became an act of courage and resistance against oppression.
The main cast includes Carlos Hipólito, who embodies maestro Casals, and Kiti Mánver, in the role of Francesca Vidal, also a cellist and the musician's partner at the time. Actress Kiti Mánver has highlighted the current relevance of the play, stating that the situation addressed resonates with contemporary conflicts, underscoring the importance of bringing this true story to light.
“"It is a situation we are experiencing with the genocide in Palestine, which is why it is important for this play, based on a real event, to come to light."
The cast is completed by Cristóbal Suárez, who plays the Nazi soldier proposing that Casals play for Hitler, and Marta Velilla, in the role of the musician's niece. The play is directed by Juan Carlos Rubio himself. The production, celebrating its hundredth performance, contextualizes the depression Casals experienced during that period, motivated by his deep empathy for the suffering of others. This sensitivity led him to reject a comfortable life in the United States to dedicate himself to helping refugees fleeing the Franco dictatorship in Spain, organizing benefit concerts to raise funds and improve their living conditions.
The plot focuses on the crucial moment when Nazi officers ask Casals to perform for Hitler, and his surprising refusal without suffering deadly repercussions. The actress explained that, although the refusal is known, the details of that meeting are the starting point for the play's fiction, which highlights human dignity and the moral obligation to oppose injustice, even at the risk of one's own life.
“"The text shows the dignity of a human being who risks their life."
The play's set design is simple but aims for a striking effect, evoking a house that could also be the interior of a musical instrument. The actress noted that the audience often feels immersed in the story, as if they were another character. Despite the drama, the play incorporates touches of humor, mainly through Kiti Mánver's character, to relieve tension and allow the drama to resume its place.
