The historical play “Eligio Ayala, The Death Of Rodin’s Thinker” (Eligio Ayala, La Muerte Del Pensador De Rodin) is presented at the Arlequin Theatre in Asunción. The show premiered on 10 October 2025, and will be performed on 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 October. A blend of history and theatre, the play shows how even the most influential statesmen cannot escape the fragility of human passions.
The play reimagines the intimate drama of former Paraguayan President Ayala’s downfall. On 24 October 1930, Eligio Ayala passed away, and the play is staged on this day, 95 years later. Ayala was President of Paraguay from 12 April 1923 to 17 March 1924, and again from 15 August 1924 until 15 August 1928.
A Chief of Asunción Police’s manuscript
This theatrical work is inspired by the manuscript from Commissioner Luis Escobar, the former Chief of Asunción Police. Escobar gave his work to President José P. Guggiari. Years later, the work was disseminated by Manuel Pesoa under the pseudonym Paulo Gelio.
The play is produced by “Arkhé en Escena” and Walter Mers. The production also counted on the help of historian Fabián Chamorro. His historical research serves as the basis for bringing to the stage an enigmatic episode in Paraguayan politics. The tragic death of former President Eligio Ayala. The plays stare Alan Jara, Chapi Leiva, Noemi Florentín, Nathaly Peláez, Natalia Silva, Camilo Sánchez, Sol Bordón, and Pablo Rodríguez.
The plot of “Eligio Ayala, The Death Of Rodin’s Thinker”
According to the report, Eligio Ayala had been in a relationship with a concubine. This woman became the mother of two of his children. Later on, he became romantically involved with a young woman, Hilda Diez, and her sister. The latter had arrived in Asunción as servants in his home. Years later, he sought to rebuild his life with the young socialite Chona Abreu. However, his old ties and jealousy cut short his marriage plans.
The conflict reached its climax when Ayala discovered that Hilda Diez was having a relationship with Tomás Bareiro. This man was an official at the Banco Agrícola under his supervision at the Ministry of Finance. On the night of the 22 October, 1930, Eligio Ayala burst into Hilda’s house armed. An exchange of gunfire with Bareiro triggered the tragedy, and Ayala died of his injuries two days later.
Information about the play
You can see “Eligio Ayala, The Death Of Rodin’s Thinker” on 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 of October, all starting at 20:30. Representations are at the Arlequin Theatre, located in the San Roque neighbourhood. People interested can get tickets on passline for Gs. 80,000 (approximately US$11), or 2 tickets for Gs. 150,000 (approximately $21). Tickets can be purchased at the door for Gs. 100,000 (approximately US$14).
Read more about theatre: Visit Asunción’s Theatres: A Guide To Plays, Orchestras, And Cultural Hotspots.
