Tu em vas prometre una història d’amor', or a writer's struggle to speak of love

The author sets out to write a love story, but nowadays, how can anyone speak of love without falling into toxic romantic tropes, and without anyone feeling left out? A daunting challenge – a truly daunting one. Yet she gives it a shot, and the result is a riotously funny, original comedy brimming with rhythm and glitter.

The premise is brilliant: the writer sits “alone” at her desk, intending to start defining the love story she promised to write. Well, not entirely alone – because, like all writers, she is surrounded by the fictional characters who wander in and out of the room.

Guided by these inseparable companions, the playwright attempts to pin down what a contemporary love story might look like: one that steers clear of clichés, refuses to validate toxic dynamics, and remains genuinely inclusive. She begins by imagining Rome: romantic, historic, and steeped in beauty. Yet we quickly slip into the conventional trope of the persistent suitor who relentlessly pesters his love interest until she finally yields – more out of sheer weariness than genuine feeling. Next, naturally, we head to Paris, the city of love, only for sexual promiscuity and an utter lack of respect to surface from the very start.

In the end, the author decides to set her story in Poland – a country that rarely figures among traditional romantic tropes, and which the writer selects as her narrative landscape for that very reason. Starting from this premise, she sets out to craft a contemporary dynamic between two characters: a love that is modern, authentic, and grounded, while preserving the beauty and magic of the feeling itself. It sounds like a tall order, but she pulls it off!

Stellar performances bursting with comic energy

Ester Cort, Fermí Delfa, Sandra Pujol Torguet, Roger Torns, and Teresa Vallicrosa star in this entertaining comedy. All five turn in impressive performances, carrying us along with them across the delicate boundaries separating reality from fiction.

Above all, the three actresses – Ester Cort, Sandra Pujol, and Teresa Vallicrosa – deserve special mention for their tremendous stage presence, comedic sharpness, and magnetic energy. They command the space and hold the audience captivated with their vulnerability and drive.

Although the opening night suffered technical hitches in the Poblenou neighbourhood, the magic of live theatre returned in the blink of an eye. After an enforced interval of nearly 20 minutes, the ensemble took to the stage (on a second attempt!) and managed to regain their momentum, whisking us away with them to a karaoke joint on the fringes of the world. Brilliant.

Israel Solà leaves his distinct mark on the production

A staging that appears simple at first glance evolves into a journey that carries us seamlessly between fantasy and reality (the theatre seats placed directly on stage prove an inspired touch), opens the doors to a glitter-drenched karaoke bar, and pulls us into a high-octane music video that winds its way through Barcelona.

Furthermore, the use of live camera feeds lends a distinctly cinematic quality to the more poignant scenes, amplifying the weight of the moment, the characters’ emotions, and their raw vulnerability.

Ultimately, Tu em vas prometre una història d’amor is an absolute triumph. It made me laugh, touched me deeply, and reminded me that the theatre remains that unique realm where fiction and reality meet hand in hand. And that finale… WHAT A FINALE! :)