During the Progressive Theater Festival in Venezuela, the play “El Corrido del Rey Lear” was presented, which surprised the audience with its uncomfortable humor in addressing the issue of violence in Mexico. The scene that stands out is that of the character of a hitman who juggles three human heads, provoking laughter in the audience.
The play, directed by Fernando Bonilla and performed by the Mexican companies Puño de Tierra and Próspero Teatro, received a standing ovation at its presentation in Venezuela, marking the first time it left Mexico since its premiere in 2022. Bonilla was surprised by the receptiveness and expressiveness of the Venezuelan audience, describing it as warm and welcoming.
“El Corrido del Rey Lear” uses a story by English playwright William Shakespeare to humorously delve into the tragedy of drug violence. The plot follows actor Héctor Balzaretti, played by Juan Carlos Colombo, who tries to remember his lines in the role of “King Lear” while dealing with personal conflicts and being kidnapped by thugs who take him to a ranch.
Through comic situations and sharp dialogue, the play shows the humanity and nuances of hitmen working for organized crime, generating empathy and breaking barriers with the audience. Bonilla uses humor as an effective tool to address uncomfortable and complex issues, seeking to offer insight into the spiral of violence in Mexico.
The play also reflects on Mexico’s complex relationship with the United States, pointing out that drug trafficking cannot be understood without taking this connection into account. In addition, it takes an opposite perspective on the idea of good guys and bad guys, recognizing that violence is systemic and multifactorial.
At the climax of the story, as the characters approach a violent fate, a Mexican corrido plays, further emphasizing the atmosphere and cultural identity of the play.
El Corrido del Rey Lear’ offers a unique and humorous look at violence and drug trafficking in Mexico, generating reflections and laughter from Latin American audiences as it addresses such sensitive issues.