The stage production «Je meurs de ne pas mourir» opened at the Théâtre de la Bastille in Paris, presenting a contemporary resurrection of the Spanish mystic Saint Teresa of Ávila. According to a review published by Libération, the production struggles to find its footing, ultimately lacking grace despite its ambitious premise.
The Premise of the Théâtre de la Bastille Production
Written by Spanish author Paco Bezerra, the play imagines Saint Teresa of Ávila—Spain’s patron saint and the first female Doctor of the Church—returning to life before her time. In this narrative, her scattered relics are reassembled, allowing the historical mystic to walk the margins of contemporary Spanish society while maintaining her dissident and free-spirited nature.
Creative Collaboration and Staging Choices
The production pairs director Aurélia Lüscher with performer and singer Estelle Meyer. Both collaborators share a stated commitment to women’s equality and freedom, approaching theater as a ritual space intended to spark miracles.
Critical Reception and Review
Despite the high-intensity pairing, critics have questioned the execution of the piece. Libération criticizes the staging for missing its mark, arguing that the ambitious meeting between historical mysticism and modern social critique falls short of its theatrical potential.