Actor and director Alejandro Viola presents "Timon and the Beasts", an adaptation of Shakespeare's "Life of Timon of Athens", one of the English author's least performed and most discussed works. In an exclusive interview with the Argentine News Agency, Viola revealed that the production, which premieres on February 12, will be performed on Thursdays at 8:30 PM at "El Extrangero". Viola noted that unlike other versions that emphasized economic aspects, he decided to focus on human relationships. He also highlighted that this adaptation aims to bring a lesser-known but deeply relevant Shakespeare back into circulation. The director explained that the project's idea arose during a difficult personal period following an injury, which gave him time to re-read the text. He pointed out that "The Life of Timon of Athens" is one of Shakespeare's most controversial and least-read plays. Viola was fascinated by the protagonist's transformation: a wealthy philanthropist who becomes a misanthrope after his friends abandon him in his time of need. The director stressed that the play addresses values and tensions that are highly relevant today, such as betrayal, ingratitude, and hypocrisy. He also linked the text to contemporary discussions on collectivism and individualism, particularly in the context of the Argentine political situation. Viola clarified that his choice of material was not coincidental, stating that he only writes at specific moments when he feels a topic's relevance. He described the current moment as "somewhat violent", with speeches from high places that easily resonate with an economically battered society. In terms of stage design, Viola opted for deliberate minimalism: the adaptation runs for 70 minutes, features four actors, and has no scenery, using just four chairs and a small plank as a table.
