HAPPINESS

by Marilia Samper

Translated by Steven Capsuto

The edge of a city. A working-class street with old and cheap houses, where Julia lives with her son, Eli, who has cerebral palsy. Eli is 20 years old and he can’t speak, he can’t walk. He can’t do anything by himself. He spent the days in a wheelchair. He has grown up and Julia’s hernia doesn’t let her carry him in her arms (as she used to do) down the stairs. So, he doesn’t leave the flat. Julia is determined to solve this situation by installing a ramp to push Eli’s wheelchair and take him outside. Such a simple task can be an impossible undertaking when all conditions are unfavorable and, above all, if its completion depends on the goodwill and kindness of others.

Marilia Samper

Graduated in Directing and Dramaturgy at the Institut del Teatre de Barcelona. Some of her theatrical texts are 405, which was awarded second prize for the Miguel Romero Esteo Prize and the 2001 Marqués de Bradomín National Prize; Menú del día, second prize for the Miguel Romero Esteo Award and the 2002 Marqués de Bradomín National Award; Un verdadero cowboy, Ciutat de València 2006 Award and Carlos Carvalho Award from the VI National Dramaturgy Contest of Porto Alegre, Brazil;

Born in 1974 in Sao Paolo, Brazil, to a Brazilian mother and Sevillian father. After living in various countries, at the age of twelve, she went to live permanently in Spain. She spent her entire adolescence in Andalusia and it was there where she entered the theatre scene. She studied acting at the Instituto del Teatro of Seville, and worked with various Sevillian companies, such as Viento Sur Teator, La Matrona, and the Andalusian Theatre Centre. She then, almost by chance, began to write and with her first published and awarded texts, she came to Barcelona in 2001 and received a degree in Stage Direction and Theatre Arts from the Institut del Teatre. Since then, she has developed her career as an author and director, and her plays have been performed on the most-prestigious stages of Barcelona.

Happiness is the result of his Artist-in-residence work at Sala Beckett/Obrador Internacional de Dramatúrgia.

CERVANTES THEATRE TEAM

Artistic Director Jorge de Juan

Associate Director Paula Paz

House Manager Puerto Baker

Production Manager Santiago Cabrero

Graphic Design José Luis Hidalgo