Review by Jo Tomalin
For All Events
Entrañas
Entrañas tells the story of what we are made of – literally! Izaskun Fernández and Julián Sáenz López from El Patio Teatro in Spain create, direct and perform this fascinating object puppetry show with narration spoken direct to the audience. It’s part elegant apothecary and part character storytelling, and in total it works very well. This is a show where the audience will learn about what parts of the body are made of such aspotassium, water or nitrogen, other stuff and sometimes nothing. While we hear these facts it is a gentle science – not intense and and it is interesting, especially in the charming way Fernández and Sáenz lead us through their story. Taking turns to enlighten us about different organs and there uses they bring out organs that are made from beautifully crafted models and cut out old timey yellowed cards with line drawn diagrams. These objects are carefully handled and are placed just as carefully on a shelf, large table or held near a real life organ such as the heart or brain.
One of the most interesting things about this show is that Fernández and López treat the subject in a respectful way that is not at all ghoulish or squeamish but is warmly matter of fact with a dash of wit and humor! Theatre like this is vital and can serve so many reasons to not only entertain but also to help us understand what makes us tick.
Fernández and López are completely invested in their characters, encompassed in their handsome set of polished wooden shelves with objets on each one. It is a compelling stage set and frames them as they speak to us and very occasionally each other or with a non verbal reaction while bringing forth an object to share its story and valiant raison d’être.
Both Fernández and López wear costumes evocative of a time gone by that sets the tone of the show from the first sight of them. Original music underscores the show at times and adds to the atmosphere. The show I saw was performed in Spanish with well placed easy to read surtitles in French and English that are part of the set. This show was very well received by the audience. Entrañas was performed at the Médiathèque Voyelles theatre in Charleville-Mézières, France and produced by the renowned Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, September 2025. Highly Recommended! 4 Stars
More Information:
Instagram: @elpatioteatro @ikebanahartesescenicas
Website: https://ikebanah.es/en/home/
Originally from England Jo Tomalin is currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she is a reviewer for Dance & Theatre at www.ForAllEvents.com and works in the performing arts as a freelance movement specialist, director + actor. She is also a Professor of theatre performance in the School of Theatre & Dance at San Francisco State University, teaching Movement and Voice for actors, Storytelling and Acting.
Jo Tomalin studied Classical Ballet for 12 years. She graduated from London University’s Laban Centre teaching credential program in Modern Dance, Art of Movement & Choreography, then she trained in Physical Theatre, Masks, and Devised theatre at the renowned professional acting school “Ecole Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq” Paris, France. Jo studied Classical Acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London; and holds an A.T.C.L. in Voice and Acting from Trinity College of Dramatic Art, London, and a PH.D. in Education from Capella University, MN, USA.
