Theatre Glendon’s latest production a mirror of our times

Theatre Glendon is staging a thought-provoking production of Spanish playwright Ignacio del Moral’s 1992 play La mirada del hombre oscuro (The Dark Man’s Gaze) from Jan. 27 to 30. The one-act play will be presented in Spanish, with English surtitles.  

Winner of the acclaimed Spanish Society of Authors Prize, the play has garnered recognition among contemporary Spanish dramatic works. La mirada del hombre oscuro exposes some of the social problems afflicting current-day Spain. The universal themes of racism, immigration and families that fail to function all come together through the gripping tale of the marginalized illegal immigrant.

The play’s central character, Ombasi, is an immigrant who leaves his African home country accompanied by a friend. The pair embark on a journey in search of a better future. Their odyssey is told through this tragic comedy. After a long journey, Ombasi reaches the shores of Spain, only to become involved with a dysfunctional family consisting of a stubborn father, a capricious mother and two confused children. Yet, in spite of this misfortune, he holds on to the hope of starting a new life full of opportunities and well-being. Ultimately though, nothing turns out as he imagined. At times comical and at others sombre, The Dark Man’s Gaze is a suspenseful play that will make audiences laugh, cry and reflect on the social realities of our time.

Show times are Jan. 28 at 5:30pm, and Jan. 27, 29 and 30 at 7pm. Tickets are $10 each, or $5 students and seniors. Seating is general admission. For reservations, call the Theatre Glendon Box Office at 416-487-6822. Theatre Glendon is located on the Glendon campus, 2275 Bayview Ave. (at Lawrence).

For more information, visit the Theatre Glendon Web site.