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PREFIERO QUE ME COMAN LOS PERROS

By Carla Zuñiga, translated by Fran Olivares

This play in translation follows Eugenia, a former nursery teacher, who, ten years after a tragic accident for which she is responsible, seeks solace on the therapist's couch. Through Eugenia's story, the play delves into the consequences of precarious work environments and the guilt and shame that can result from our mistakes. It shows how mental health can suffer in such an environment and how loneliness and isolation can add to the struggle.

This play packs a punch when it comes to tackling important issues such as mental health, labour problems, loneliness, and ageing. The play's dark humour and quirky characters, including a nursery teacher with an imaginary friend, a psychologist stalked by a patient, and a police officer who dreams of being a dancer, bring these issues to the forefront of the audience's minds with wit and irony.


In a society that values productivity and success above all else, "I'd Rather be Eaten by Dogs" challenges these ideals and questions whether they truly bring us happiness and fulfilment. The play invites the audience to look at their own lives and question whether they, too, are trapped in a system that leaves them feeling disconnected and overwhelmed.


"Is that all life is? Never stopping? Repeating the same day again and again? From work to home. From home to the doctor. From the doctor to the bank. From the bank to work. And endlessly dreaming of stopping... of throwing everything away, of vanishing." (Eugenia, the main character of this play).


Moreover, the play "I'd Rather Be Eaten by Dogs" tackles labour issues that affect countless individuals worldwide, spanning across Chile and the UK. Therefore, introducing a translated version of this production in the UK is paramount. It serves to highlight the trials and tribulations that workers face daily, as well as catalyse a much-needed discussion on how to improve working conditions for all.


In recent times, the UK has grappled with several labour issues, ranging from exploitative zero-hour contracts to inadequate job security and minimum wage violations. These challenges have an immediate impact on the mental and physical well-being of employees, leading to feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. By directly confronting these issues in the play "I'd Rather Be Eaten by Dogs," it empowers silenced and disregarded voices, demanding attention and acknowledgement.


Furthermore, the play explores the challenges some workers face, who are often pushed out of the workforce due to ageism and discrimination. This issue has become increasingly relevant in the UK, where the population is ageing rapidly, and the employment rate for older workers remains low. By shining a light on these problems, the play can help to create awareness and bring about much-needed change.


"I'd Rather be Eaten by Dogs" encourages us to confront the madness we all carry inside ourselves. The play leads us to discover and confront our nonsense through the suffocating reality of the characters (real and imaginary). It is an important reminder that we are all human, and we must prioritise the mental and physical well-being of all.

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