Playwright Josep Maria Miró took part in a public conversation in the lounge of the Teatre Principal in Olot. Alongside Richard Huddleson and Toni Maestre, they explored the emotions and feelings in Miró’s theatre.

Many of the Catalan playwright’s works depict a world besieged by various forms of violence against the most vulnerable individuals, those who defy sexual, racial, gender or class norms. These victims of abuse and exploitation are burdened with fear, guilt and anger. They exist in an atmosphere of perpetual social alarm, fostering mistrust among neighbours.

Maestre and Huddleson questioned Josep Maria Miró about the negative emotions prevalent in his characters, as well as the role that optimism, faith and hope play in his dramatic works. In doing so, they highlighted theatre’s long-standing ability to imagine alternative realities.

The public discussion in Olot followed an internal session involving Josep Maria Miró and the residents of the “Touched nerves: on feelings in contemporary Catalan culture” residency. Miró and the residents contemplated theatre’s capacity for liberation and rejuvenation.