Mauricio Kartun: Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Artists and Power in "La Vis Cómica"
Mauricio Kartun's acclaimed play, "La Vis Cómica," is currently captivating audiences in its sixth season at the Centro Cultural de la Cooperación in Buenos Aires. The play, starring Horacio Roca, Luis Campos, Cutuli, and Stella Galazzi, is also preparing to represent Argentina at the prestigious Festival Iberoamericano del Siglo de Oro de la Comunidad de Madrid. In a recent interview with Carolina Liponetzky of ámbito.com, Kartun delves into the play's themes, its enduring appeal, and its resonance in the current political climate.
The Eternal Temptation: Artists and the Embrace of Power
According to Kartun, "La Vis Cómica" explores the «eternal risk for artists: approaching power and seeking its warmth, even knowing that it can eventually burn you». He argues that those in power often seek to instrumentalize artists, turning them into dependent figures who either fervently wave their flags or attack their adversaries. The play emphasizes the importance of maintaining autonomy and artistic integrity, regardless of political affiliations.
«What every artist is clear about is that what power, of any sign and color, really wants from an artist is to have them in a dependent role: fervently waving its flags or burning those of the adversary. The dignity of each creator depends on maintaining their autonomy,» Kartun stated, emphasizing the delicate balance artists must navigate.
A Play Born from Cervantes and Argentine History
Kartun explains that "La Vis Cómica" originated from an invitation by the Centro Cultural de España in Buenos Aires to adapt one of Cervantes' exemplary novels. He chose "El coloquio de los perros" and combined it with his long-held images of a Spanish theater company stranded in the Argentine pampa during the colonial era. While the initial project didn't materialize, the images persisted, leading to the creation of "La Vis Cómica."
The play does not explicitly set out to address specific themes beforehand. Instead, Kartun allows the narrative to organically reveal them. He emphasizes that «the artist collaborator, the one who surrenders his aesthetic dignity in exchange for benefits» is a central exploration of the work, a theme that emerged naturally during the creative process.
Why "La Vis Cómica" Continues to Resonate
Kartun attributes the play's success and longevity to several factors, including the dedication and hard work of the production team. As he mentions, the play's survival hinges on the quality and intensity of its actors’ performances. Furthermore, the play is a cooperative effort, where everyone works together. He also emphasizes the importance of strong box office returns to sustain the production. According to Kartun, «We move the piece, we complement with tours, we do a daily post-production work to maintain ourselves. We are an honorable cooperative, and we work as such, cooperating».
The Evolving Meaning of Art in a Changing World
Kartun notes that the meaning and impact of "La Vis Cómica" have evolved over the years, shaped by the actors' performances and the changing sociopolitical context. As he describes, «Spectacles change and grow in the body of their interpreters. That is a plus of interest that successive seasons add to the works. But they change more when they are successively received in different contexts.» He finds it particularly interesting how certain lines of dialogue that once went unnoticed now resonate deeply with audiences, reflecting the shifting realities of Argentine society.
A Play for Everyone, Not Just the Theater Community
Although "La Vis Cómica" is particularly enjoyable for the artistic and theatrical community, it has garnered a broad audience that appreciates its parodies, farces, and homages to the Spanish Golden Age. Kartun believes that the play's exploration of the artist who aligns with the powers that be is a phenomenon that resonates strongly with the public, often more so than within the artistic circles themselves. The play engages the audience with thought-provoking commentary on artistic integrity and political influence. He goes on to say, «The work speaks of the artist who, in order to appear, puts himself at the service of the government of the day, and that is a phenomenon that the spectator sometimes perceives better than the artistic community itself.»
Looking Ahead: Madrid and Beyond
Kartun expresses his excitement and pride in representing Argentina at the Festival Iberoamericano del Siglo de Oro de la Comunidad de Madrid. This invitation represents a significant recognition of the play's artistic merit and its contribution to the cultural landscape. The production team is enthusiastic about sharing "La Vis Cómica" with an international audience and continuing to explore its themes and complexities.
In conclusion, "La Vis Cómica" is continuing to offer a timely and relevant commentary on the complex relationship between artists, power, and society, prompting audiences to reflect on the importance of artistic integrity and the enduring allure of influence.
