Peter Brook is a vital influence for La Màquina, as he is for many in the theatre world. A visionary, an artist, a revolutionary who transformed theatrical concepts in the 20th century. At La Màquina, we not only admire his legacy but draw from his principles in our understanding of theatrical practice.
The Empty Space: Theatre’s Essence
Imagine an empty theatre, a bare stage without bright lights or elaborate sets. Just one actor, one spectator, and magic begins. Brook writes in “The Empty Space”: “A man walks across this empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all that is needed for an act of theatre to be engaged”. This seemingly simple statement revolutionised 20th-century staging. Brook strips theatre of artifice, reducing it to its purest essence: the interaction between actor and spectator.
At La Màquina, this principle is reflected in our performance space: small and bare, yet brimming with storytelling potential. Here, the absence of lavish sets is compensated by the intensity and honesty of theatrical performance. Every corner becomes a potential stage, every interaction an opportunity to create theatrical magic.
By stripping theatre of artifice, Brook teaches us that the essential lies in the pure connection between actor and spectator.
The Magic of Multiculturalism
Another factor that connects us to Brook is his theatrical diversity. Peter, born to Russian parents in England, chose to establish a theatre in Paris, in a neighbourhood of African immigrants. Throughout his career, Brook has consistently included actors of different nationalities, accents, cultures and languages in his casts. This mixture enriches the art and offers a broader, more diverse worldview.
Cultural diversity not only enriches the stage but challenges and expands our vision of the world.
At La Màquina, diversity is fundamental. We speak Spanish, one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, with countless diverse accents that bring infinite richness to the stage. In Valencia, Valencian and Spanish coexist, creating an fascinating fusion. We don’t set limits based on languages, accents or origins. For us, this diversity is almost a necessity.
Theatre as Play
Peter Brook also inspires us with his vision of theatre as play. He states: “Acting requires great effort, but when we treat it as play, it ceases to be work – a play is play…” This playful perspective transforms acting into an act of exploration and creativity, freeing actors from the burden of technical perfection and allowing them to experiment and discover new forms of expression.
At La Màquina, we embrace this playful attitude in our productions. We focus on the creative process, experimentation, and spontaneous interaction with the audience. This creative freedom not only enriches our works but also creates an atmosphere of enjoyment and complicity between actors and spectators.
Sacred Theatre
Brook introduces the concept of “sacred theatre”, where the stage becomes a space where the invisible becomes visible. In “The Empty Space”, Brook writes: “I call it holy theatre for short, but it could be called the theatre of the invisible-made-visible: the notion that the stage is a place where the invisible can appear has seized our imagination“
This approach highlights theatre’s capacity to touch deep aspects of human experience, to connect with emotions and thoughts that often remain hidden. At La Màquina, we strive to create theatrical experiences that go beyond the superficial, always seeking that contact with the invisible, with the underlying currents that move our lives.
Peter Brook as La Màquina’s Inspiration
Peter Brook is an essential reference for La Màquina for his ability to reinvent and revitalise theatre. His minimalist approach and emphasis on direct interaction between actor and spectator inspire us to maintain our intimate and accessible space. His advocacy for cultural diversity resonates with our own linguistic and cultural diversity. And his vision of theatre as both play and sacred act drives us to create works that not only entertain but also invite reflection and deep emotional connection.
We celebrate Master Peter Brook’s contributions. Like him, we believe theatre is a powerful tool for exploring the human condition and sharing meaningful experiences. At La Màquina, we follow his teachings and adapt them to our context, creating a space where theatrical magic can flourish in its purest and most authentic form.
“We don’t propose fixed ideas or closed messages. We simply try to make the spectator feel. And when someone feels, they understand,” says Brook. This philosophy guides our daily work, motivating us to continue innovating and exploring new ways of telling stories.
Long live the magic of theatre. Long live the fortune of being able to tell stories. Long live the fortune of being able to share emotions and feelings. We invite you all to come and enjoy theatre.
We are La Màquina, always in motion!
