The work “Historias de Usera” begins its national tour after success at the Matadero in Madrid

‘Historias de Usera’ is the product of a cultural management workshop in the neighborhood of Usera, in which the locals become the leading players in a work together with professional actors such as Inma Cuevas, Pilar Gómez, José Troncoso and Jesús Barranco. ‘The great thing is that this is not just a spectacle, there is also a specific discourse behind it: it’s also the search for a local public and the desire for them to participate,’ explains Fernando Sánchez-Cabezudo.

Two of these professional actors, Inma Cuevas and José Troncoso have also received a prize for best supporting stage actor (female) and best supporting stage actor (male) from the Actors’ Union for ‘Historias de Usera.’

The stories that form part of the work are ‘urban legends’ of the neighborhood, explains the director. What’s more, it has been the locals themselves who have investigated and acted as ‘journalists’ to collect these stories, from which the choice was made according to the ones that were repeated most. ‘The reception in the Matadero was very emotional, many neighbors came to see it and many of them had never gone there before despite the neighborhood being so close,’ notes the director.

Sánchez-Cabezudo explains that his project also has an important social component, as many of the locals who are working on it are unemployed, and for them this is an added attraction. Now, on the national tour, filling a theater is a challenge. ‘The discourse itself has affected people deeply, it’s no longer so important that there should be famous actors on the stage, but the content, that is being described,’ he says.

The director explains that ‘the support of BBVA Foundation has been key in doing this because it’s not a commercial project, it’s more social and of the community. This aid has allowed us to be present as creators.’

‘Historias de Usera’ plans to extend its tour to Logroño, Murcia and Pamplona.