Instituto Cervantes Berlin Hosts Ambigú Staged Reading and Dialogue with Denise Despeyroux
Instituto Cervantes Berlin presents theatrical reading and dialogue with Denise Despeyroux
February 26th, 2026
The Instituto Cervantes in Berlin, in collaboration with Theater unterm Dach, will host a staged reading and discussion on 10 March 2026 featuring playwright and director Denise Despeyroux. The event will present Ambigú – Eine kleine Schlachtmusik | La omisión del si bemol 3, bringing together Spanish- and German-speaking theatre professionals in a bilingual and interdisciplinary format. The programme includes translator and artistic director Franziska Muche and actor, director, and artistic director Alexander Schröder, alongside actors Thea Rasche, Henry Morales, and Fabian Raabe. The staged reading will be held in German, followed by a dialogue with simultaneous interpretation between Spanish and German, creating a dynamic platform for artistic exchange and reinforcing the role of theatre in contemporary cultural diplomacy.
The work centres on Jonas, whose parents, during an indefinite lockdown, devote their time to turning their child into a prodigy. From the prenatal stage, they expose him to Mozart and continue with intensive educational methods after his birth, convinced of his exceptional potential. As Jonas grows, however, these efforts lead to unexpected and increasingly chaotic outcomes. The story offers a reflective and often humorous perspective on ambition, upbringing, and the pressures placed on childhood, while engaging with broader societal debates shaped by recent global crises.
The “Ambigú” format itself represents a creative and participatory approach modelled on an initial reading. Using playing cards as artistic tools, participants explore theatre texts, test their stage potential, and allow different interpretative possibilities to emerge in the performance space. After the reading, a dialogue with the author and translator will provide insights into the creative and translation processes. This interactive structure encourages audience engagement and strengthens connections between artistic communities in Spain and Germany within a wider European cultural framework.
Denise Despeyroux, born in Montevideo in 1974, is an internationally recognised author, director, and actress. She has premiered nearly twenty plays in leading institutions such as the Centro Dramático Nacional and Teatro San Martín. Her works, translated into more than ten languages, are noted for combining humour, mystery, and philosophical reflection, with prominent titles including La Realidad, Carne viva, and Un tercer lugar. Her participation in Berlin highlights the importance of contemporary theatre as a space for dialogue, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.
Through this initiative, the Instituto Cervantes continues to promote long-term cultural cooperation and dialogue between Spain and Germany. By supporting contemporary playwrights and fostering direct exchange between artists and audiences, the event contributes to strengthening mutual understanding, expanding professional networks, and enhancing the visibility of current Spanish-language theatre within Europe’s cultural and creative sectors.
