I have recently had the opportunity to attend a new edition of the Youth Classical Theatre Festival, hosted by the Spanish town of Mérida every year on April. On stage, among others, a new version of Aulularia, one of the most famous comedies by Plautus, performed by “El Aedo”, a university theatre company.
Aulularia tells the story of Euclion, the main character who has become the worldwide prototype of meanness for he struggles relentlessly to hide his gold-filled pot in order for him not to be discovered to be richer than he seems. Of course, all his efforts are doomed to failure and by the end of the play everybody will have been aware of his wealthy status, especially his daughter, who aims to get married and, consequently, is in need of a large dowry.
It is well known that, due to textual transmission circumstances, this comedy lacks the end, which makes it a challenge to any company to perform it. “El Aedo” solves ingeniously this problem by offering two different endings and asking the audience for their preference afterwards, in a sort of exhilarating polling parody. However, a weak point can be mentioned: being acted by a non-professional troupe, not all the actors were equally skilled (in fact, minor characters were poorly performed).
It was a laughable and appalling production, highlighted by the best set ever dreamed of: the Roman theatre of Mérida. If you have the chance, make sure you attend next year’s edition of this Youth Festival.
A.F.
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