| |
Introduction From The Director
Dr Jennifer S.
Hartley
In 1999 I began a
series of interviews for my doctoral thesis with various theatre
practitioners in Paraguay. Many were suspicious of both my work and
intentions and, as a result unwilling to talk. But others did speak with
me and provided an invaluable insight into their life in theatre in
Paraguay. Many of these interviews have remained in my memory and I
began to seek a more direct and personal way to share the thoughts, the
personalities, the lives, that I had began honoured to have a glimpse
of.
Time and again my thoughts came back to Emilio Barreto who had made such
an impression on not only me, but also on my work as a theatre
practitioner and so it seemed obvious that the next piece of writing I
would do would be about Emilio. The result was the play ‘the art of
silence’ based on the experiences Emilio had shared with me of his time
in the calabozo.
While Emilio gave his permission to write the play, I doubt either of us
ever thought through the roller coaster of emotions it was destined to
bring him. Writing the play was complex at times because I wanted a play
that would speak to all those oppressed by a political system, yet at
the same time remain true to Emilio’s memories and experiences. To then
go on to direct the same play with Emilio playing himself within it has
been one of the most incredible experiences that any playwright and
director could ever imagine. It has not been an easy experience at
times, but it as one I feel privileged to have taken part in and one I
am sure will mark my work hereafter.
The play is intended as a tool to teach and as a memory of atrocities
that occurred: atrocities for which only a handful of scapegoats were
punished. The play is intended as a mark of respect to all those who
stand up against oppression in any way they can. The play is a gift to
Emilio and his family to say thank you for sharing with me, welcoming
me, teaching me and reminding me always to believe in and stand up for
my principles.
Older Emilio: I was not brave.
Young Emilio: I am not a coward
Older Emilio: They are not the same thing.
These lines from the play for me represent the horror that those such as
Emilio lived through and the strength of character they had to do more
than survive. Silence is indeed an art but the time to be silent has
long since passed in Paraguay.
May the silent screams cease and the dialogue
begin...
|
|