obra-teatro
Foto: Soy Prensa
Foto: Soy Prensa

The best one-person shows in Buenos Aires

One stage, one actor or actress, the curtain rises, and the magic of theater begins. Here are the best solo performances to see in Buenos Aires.

Rolando Gallego
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A grand set, a large hall, many seats, a robust curtain, or very bright spotlights, and certainly not a huge cast, are not necessary for the theater to make its essence felt by the audience. Since time immemorial, a single person performing can captivate the most diverse and demanding audiences, showcasing virtuosity and excellence, and traveling back to the origins of drama.

In a glorious moment like the present, where commercial and independent theater embrace their actors and actresses with great public response, solo shows are increasingly taking center stage thanks to talent and ingenuity, thematic diversity, different genres, as well as professionalism and passion.

1. Prima Facie

Julieta Zylberberg returns to solo performance after "La Fiebre" (2022), in a play that allows for a gendered perspective on justice. Directed by Andrea Garrote, in "Prima Facie," Zylberberg transforms into Romina, a young lawyer dedicated to defending those accused of sexual crimes.

One day, she becomes a victim herself, and her life changes forever. The actress offers all her virtuosity in a narrative that exposes the flaws of a patriarchal judicial system that does not give room to victims and empowers perpetrators. A painful and reflective work.

Highlight: "Prima Facie" is a success in Argentina, Spain, and every place where it is performed.

Where: Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:15 pm, at Multiteatro Comafi (Av. Corrientes 1283). Tickets here.

2. Okasan, diary of a mother’s journey

A mother thinks about her son, who she hasn't seen in a long time because he moved to Japan. She takes a plane and embarks on an eternal journey to reunite with him, describing the inner universe that begins to question her. What will become of her now that the "nest" is empty? Directed by Paula Herrera Nobile, Carola Reyna brings Mori Ponsowy's book to life, discussing mandates, their end, and the search that begins after children leave. "Okasan" is an emotional play.

Highlight: This is the first solo performance in the extensive career of the actress.

Where: Mondays at 8 pm, at Teatro Picadero (Enrique Santos Discépolo 1857). Tickets here.

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3. Romance del Baco y la Vaca

Now a classic in the local theater scene, changing venues but never its essence, Marco Antonio Caponi shines in this solo performance by Gonzalo Demaría, which he also directs. Caponi invites the audience to a universe where rural myths, the countryside, roads, solitude, and the past are part of the narrative. The actor displays his talent and humor, reciting in gauchesque verse and blending blues and folklore melodies, capturing the essence of gaucho DNA and inviting reflection.

Highlight: "Romance del Baco y la Vaca" has won multiple awards, including ACE, Trinidad Guevara, and Luisa Vehil.

Where: Thursdays at 8:30 pm, at Espacio Callejón (Humahuaca 3759). Tickets here.

4. Ahoradespues

Guido Zappacosta wrote a text that blends the passion for soccer and one of the country's recent tragedies, the 2004 Cromañón fire, to reflect on identity. Directed by Héctor Díaz and performed by Federico Ottone, the dialogue with the father, a man bidding farewell, reveals a dramaturgy rooted in popular culture and the imagery of Roberto Fontanarrosa.

Highlight: "Ahoradespues" is one of the winners of CONTAR 8 (a theatrical works competition developed by AADET – Teatro y Música).

Where: Teatro Picadero (Enrique Santos Discépolo 1857), Tuesday, August 6, and Saturday, August 17. Tickets here.

You might also be interested in: The best musicals to watch in Buenos Aires in 2024

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5. Las Cosas Maravillosas

How do you convey the urgent need to help someone change their perspective on life? Currently featuring Candela Vetrano, "Las Cosas Maravillosas" invites the audience to an interactive experience where they become part of the story. A person recalls attempts to spark their mother's interest in life through a list of random things, revealing the brightest side of life.

Highlight: The actor Peter Lanzani began the journey of this solo performance, followed by Lali González, Franco Masini, and Andy Kustnezoff, under the attentive and precise direction of Mey Scapola, reflecting on life and death with truth and intelligence.

Where: Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 pm, at Multiteatro Comafi (Av. Corrientes 1283). Tickets here.

6. Consagrada

"Consagrada" puts personal effort and the passion each athlete invests in their discipline into perspective to achieve their goals. Gabi Parigi stars and writes, along with Flor Micha, a captivating narrative about competition, mental health, and the abuse of power on the path to consecration. Parigi's participation in real competitions adds authenticity to the narrative.

Highlight: The protagonist is a former Olympic gymnast of the National Team.

Where: Thursdays in August at 9 pm, at Timbre 4 (México 3554). Tickets here.

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7. Mátate, Amor

In "Mátate, Amor" Érica Rivas, directed by Marilú Marini and based on a text by Ariana Harwicz, tackles a complex script where the character emerges from her own foundations. Motherhood exposed in its worst light, but also marriage and neighborhood, reveal the strongest side of an erratic and contradictory character, with nature as the main setting. Each performance is a demonstration of talent and professionalism.

Highlight: Rivas shines in a production that appeals to humor and ferocity rather than minimalism.

Where: Currently on tour across the country. Performances on August 10 and 11 in Tucumán. Tickets here.

8. En el Aire

Inspired by a song he composed, Facundo Arana, directed by Manuel González Gil, reveals for an hour and a half the humanity of a radio host who understands his time has come to an end, or is about to collapse. With the radio as the backdrop and his indispensable saxophone, the actor, famous for his TV hits that made him one of the most popular of his generation, bares his soul and connects with an audience, surprised by the proposal, allowing analysis of what is truly important in each person's life.

Highlight: The actor has toured Argentina with performances of this solo show.

Where: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Paseo La Plaza (Av. Corrientes 1660). Tickets here.

You might also be interested in: Corrientes Avenue: The top 11 theater shows currently running

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9. Muerde

Written and directed by Francisco Lumerman, "Muerde" sees Luciano Cáceres taking on a completely different tone from his usual roles, even altering his voice to play a young man lost between others' desires and his family's neglect. A true tour de force to understand the darkest side of a society that ends up abusing the weakest, without a second thought for the protagonist's feelings. With blood-stained hands, an adventure begins that will change him forever.

Highlight: Cáceres' transformation on stage is unique.

Where: Sundays in August at 5 pm, at Timbre 4 (México 3554) and on tour across the country. Tickets here.

10. El David Marrón

“If in Argentina we keep thinking there is no racial discrimination, we will never leave behind racial colorblindness, and our society will remain unequal. Let's think: 'What color is poverty in Argentina?'” says the talented David Gudiño, who plays with his name and the “David” of Michelangelo, spreading reflections on identity and dominant aesthetic models that reject the “brown” from the scene, denying him opportunities.

With humor, "El David Marrón" a solo show directed by Laura Fernández, narrates a love story that began in a museum bathroom, which is just the tip of the iceberg for an intelligent play that reflects on who we truly are, without prejudice or bonds.

Highlight: The actor has performed the play successfully in Europe.

Where: Fridays at 10 pm, at Santos 4040 (Santos Dumont 4040). Tickets here.

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