Confessions: sigues raonable i no perdis la vida

Taking an autobiographical approach, the performance explores the traces left by an upbringing marked by the demands of gender normativity: the need to be strong, self-sufficient, a provider and emotionally restrained. Through body, word and action, it unfolds as a theatrical investigation into the tensions, contradictions and forms of violence that traverse masculine identities.

Every year around the International Day of the Imprisoned Writer (15 November), PEN Català organises activities to denounce the fragile state of freedom of expression. Among other initiatives, it invites local artists to contribute their own perspectives or incorporate the voices of persecuted writers into their creative work. 

In this context, David Franch reflects on the construction of masculinity and the patriarchal and military culture in present-day Turkey, drawing on L’Olla militar turca (Saldonar, 2024) by the writer Pinar Selek (recipient of the PEN Català Free Voice Award 2024). Selek has been subjected to relentless judicial persecution as a result of her writing and research, and has therefore lived in France since 2012.

Activity curated by PEN Català
Featuring David Franch

David Franch. Trained at several institutions under different teachers and describes himself as a creator, dramaturge and performer. He has co-created work with companies including Amaranto, Colectivo 96º and Labuena Cia. More recently, he has developed his own creations under the name David Franch. He divides his time between his artistic practice, teaching and the development of community-driven processes. He also works as a performer with companies including Eléctrico 28, Señor Serrano and Macarena Recuerda Shepherd.
 

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