Jugar con fuego

Marina Bollaín has adapted and directed this latest version of the zarzuela in three acts by Francisco Asenjo Barbieri. It is a comedy of errors that shows how love can defy conventional rules, which can be seen from 25 March to 12 April at the Teatro de la Zarzuela.

Premièred in 1851, it tells of how the young aristocrat, Leonor, Duchess of Medina, decided to dress up to meet Felix at the local St. John’s festival, without her true identity being discovered, which leads to confusion and a series of misunderstandings.  At the same time, the ambitious Marquis of Caravaca tries to take advantage of the situation to win over the young woman, leading to scheming and manipulation that complicate the romance.

As the events unfold, Felix recognises Leonor, but she continues to play with her secret identity, increasing jealousy and mistrust. The Marquis's deceptions and mistaken appearances lead to Felix being considered insane and he is eventually locked up in an asylum, while the court speculates about the identity of the lady in disguise.

The conflict comes to a head when the truth about Leonor and Felix comes to light and the Marquis' schemes are unmasked. As a result of the enactment of a Royal Decree, the main characters are allowed to marry. The play combines humour, romance and social criticism, showing the contrast between nobility and commoners, highlighting that love and cunningness can overcome confusion and social barriers.

Artistic File:

• Music - Francisco Asenjo Barbieri
• Libretto - Ventura de la Vega
• Musical Conductor - José Miguel Pérez-Sierra and Lara Diloy
• Version and Stage Manager - Marina Bollaín
• Stage Design - Blanca Añón
• Wardrobe - Teresa Mora
• Lighting - Marc Gonzalo
• Video - Félix Bollaín
• Orchestra - Community of Madrid Orchestra
• Choir - Teatro de La Zarzuela Choir. Conductor - Antonio Fauró

Cast:

• Duchess of Medina - Ruth Iniesta (25, 27, 29 March and 1, 5, 9 and 11 April 2026) and Berna Perles (26, 28, 31 March and 4, 8, 10 and 12 April)
• Felix - Alejandro Del Cerro (25, 27, 29 March and 1, 5, 9 and 11 April 2026) and Antonio Gandía (26, 28, 31 March and 4, 8, 10 and 12 April)
• Marquis of Caravaca - José Antonio López (25, 27, 29 March and 1, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 April 2026) and Luis Cansino (26, 28, 31 March and 4 and 12 April)
• Duke - David Lagares (25, 27, 29 March and 1, 5, 9 and 11 April 2026) and Javier Castañeda (26, 28, 31 March and 4, 8, 10 and 12 April)
• Antonio - Manuel De Diego (25, 27, 29 March and 1, 5, 9 and 11 April 2026) and Emmanuel Faraldo (26, 28, 31 March and 4, 8, 10 and 12 April)
• A Madman - Javier Povedano