La Paz Perpetua (Perpetual Peace)

See it if the thought of scripts alluding to Kant makes u shudder. Creative enactment of philosophical dilemmas without having to hear scholars bicker

Don't see it if uninterested in plots around the possibility of peace and the use of coercion/torture/force.

Also Never a dull moment in this tight, clear, stimulating script which disarms any prejudices you might have against the inanities of humanity by featuring dogs instead (without being too cute about it). All four differently motivated dogs are vividly drawn, charismatic models of behavior. I was engrossed through and through.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a brilliant deconstruction of "security"

Don't see it if you don't understand Spanish and can't deal with supertitles(easily follow the supertitles, unless you get too fascinated by the stage)

Also This story is very Gillmanesque, so if you love Rebecca Gilman's work you must see this.

Juan Mayorga's writing and Leyma Lopez's direction and all of the acting is extraordinary. The "dogs" various personalities are wonderful, but there is a very serious message that follows all of the wonderful humor and canine interaction.

When the HUMAN gets involved the message and goal, originally clear for the HUMAN, becomes twisted and the legitimate goals of "security" becomes overwhelmed by the choice of "security" over the goals.

I "must see" for anyone one who loves theater or understands that there are more important investments for society than life for life's sake.... Read more Read less

See it if you appreciate comedio-drama addressing current unresolved existential humanitarian, philosophical, and spiritual themes by smart metaphor

Don't see it if you don’t understand Spanish spoken rapidly and can’t read extensive English supratitles quickly, can’t sit 90 min. no interval, are literal

Also This brilliantly conceived, written, and executed philosophical play tackles a troubling universal theme in this century: the friction between humanity, religious love of mankind, and respect for the rule of law on one hand and the fears and instincts of self and societal preservation on the other hand with sensitivity, realism, passion, and high intelligence. My only constructive suggestion is to try to slow some of the dialog delivery so that the supratitles can be broken into more frames with fewer words for easier reading: I didn’t want to miss a syllable. The acting as canines, especially John John, was remarkable!... Read more Read less

See it if into a wonderfully executed conundrum play about dogs trained to handle terror situations

Don't see it if well - this is a philosophical, wordy play in Spanish, reading the super-titles is a challenge

Also Putting the old debate about keeping ethics when handling terror situations onto security dogs is dramatically interesting but foggy if we seek to highlight the ideas. Repeating old arguments in a setting that requires new ones felt like a miss on both sides.

But I was impressed with the level of production and the ambition of this group. A great find!... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy intelligent, profound and relevant drama.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy theatre in Spanish, albeit with supertitles in English.

Also This playwright, Juan Mayorga, continues to amaze with resounding dramas in an original and non-stop way. The idea of what democracies must give up to counter terrorism through the eyes of dogs is astonishing theatre that will provoke conversation.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see original & creative theatre that's inspired by Immanuel Kant's concept of how countries can reach & maintain perpetual peace

Don't see it if you prefer musicals and classic theatre to actors playing dogs aggressively competing for the top job is not your kind of theatre.

Also I was blown away by the reverse personification enacted in this original and entertaining play. It should really be called 'dog-ification' as in this play three amazingly talented actors play very competitive dogs vying for the one top job. You get so lost in their physicality, that you take their vivid personality for granted. Of course the german shepherd dog named Immanuel would be the wisest and the philosopher of the three. The mutt Odin acts typical for his lack of pedigree. He's a survivalist, taking advantage and exploiting the weaknesses of the other two. But the most entertaining for its daring and shockingly authentic portrayal is John-John, a breed mix of the most aggressive types of dogs bred by man, whose only weakness is thinking. Unquestioned loyalty to man and attack on command is what this dog has been schooled and indoctrinated for. Their interaction, has funny, physical, literary & philosophical implications that get the viewer to reflect long after the action ends.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy superb acting and plays with heart and depth but in an unconventional format of dogs as the protagonists. Totally absorbing!

Don't see it if you find it difficult to see the human actors as the dogs they represent and care about them and their struggle

Also I was completely engaged from the start until the end and the story touches on so many human struggles that we all face daily and it was beautiful directed and such a pleasure to see such a unique but immensely human story performed to perfection.... Read more Read less

See it if you like to think when you go to the theatre. Supertitles make it easy if you're not fluent in Spanish

Don't see it if you have trouble understanding that animal characters may talk... seriously, I have met people who object to it!

Also the four dog characters are excellently done. The human is a bit stiff, but it's her part, as the dispenser of the twisted ethics of these times.
The play doesn't feel dated, even though it was more urgently relevant after the bombings in Madrid.... Read more Read less

See it if you like masterful performances and exquisite text.

Don't see it if Don't speak Spanish or supertitles.

See it if You want to see dogs personified and actors use clever methods to portray "dogginess" while remaining obviously human; en Espanol appeals

Don't see it if You want a tidy and consistent ending--the last 5 minutes is a real disappointment; you have no patience for philosophical cleverness

See it if You like topic about terrorist, peace and God

Don't see it if Political, social and religious are not topic of your interest

See it if I enjoyed this. The actors were good and I loved the staging and writing.

Don't see it if The subtitles are easy to read yes. But its hard to immerse yourself in the performance when you're constantly having to look away.

Also I would really like to give this more. The actors were superb. I loved the way they took on the mannerisms of the dogs and I thought the overall staging and concept was brilliant. But having to constantly crane my neck to read the subtitles in the top right corner of the stage sadly detracted from the performance. It seemed like there were screens in front of your chair but sadly those weren't on. That would have been much better. I appreciate it was a Spanish language theater and production but I really would have liked to immerse myself more and the positioning of the subtitles didn't allow that. Which is a shame. But otherwise tops marks for the production and performance.... Read more Read less

See it if You are open to 3 men acting as dogs in a serious Spanish drama competing for Alpha dog. Along with the other 2 They did an awesome job!

Don't see it if If don’t enjoy Spanish or don’t like reading subtitles. Dogs/actors competing for the prestigious white collar.

See it if you're looking for a thinker, filled with great dialogue and great characters.

Don't see it if you want a lighthearted evening or don't want to think too much.

Also I feel so lucky to have seen this play, because the play itself is truly excellent, and I don't know where else in the country I would have been able to see it. The dialogue is masterfully written and ebbs and flows seamlessly, and dances on the stage as the actors perform. The actors did a phenomenal job selling the premise of most of our characters being literal dogs, and without their commitment and talent, it wouldn't have worked. My only gripe with the production comes a from a place that is easily fixable. The theatre producing the show, Repertorio Espanol, is dedicated to producing Latin American and Spanish shows entirely in their native language, which is very admirable. Thankfully for me, they do have English supertitles so I can follow along. Unfortunately, there were multiple moments where I knew the supertitles were lagging behind the action, which caused some important dialogue to be shown very briefly while trying to catch up. If they could fix that, it'd be perfect.... Read more Read less

See it if You're interested in a philosophical debate done through the humorous minds of dogs. Spanish with English supertitles.

Don't see it if you want a standard love interest, comedy. There is humor, but no love interest whatsoever.

See it if you like thought provoking topics intertwined with completely unique visual representations. Philosophy in a way you never learned in school

Don't see it if you don't like loud stage presentations or if you don't want to have to analyze the actor's remarks or if you want a simple plotted out play

Also The actors were great in their roles. They each took on the personality they were supposed to and at times you forgot what/who they really were. It was a unique commentary on the topics of trying to please others before yourself and being cynical to the point where you don't even know who you are and more. A must-see!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see one of the best performances of your life.

Don't see it if Don't like surtitles.