Paraguay’s theatre scene is evolving, with experimental and immersive performances gaining popularity over traditional stage productions. One such play, “Hasta Que Te Quieras,” created by Avanti Producciones, embraces this trend. It offers audiences a unique, itinerant experience that breaks away from conventional storytelling. Instead of remaining seated, spectators move through the rooms of Casa Zulema. Each space transforms into a setting for different moments of the performance.
Unlike traditional plays, the audience in “Hasta Que Te Quieras” is not just watching the story unfold — they become part of it. The actors interact directly with spectators, asking questions and engaging them in real-time. It makes the experience deeply personal and unpredictable. This level of involvement brings a fresh sense of excitement, making the audience feel truly immersed in the emotional journey that unfolds before them.
What Hasta Que Te Quieras Means Theatrically
“Hasta Que Te Quieras“, directed by Andrés Colinas with Jesús González as assistant director, is an exploration of self-love through different perspectives. Each character embodies a unique approach to identity and personal discovery: a drag queen (played by a real-life drag performer Shantall Banks), a troubled boxer, a painter, and another character in the midst of self-exploration, just to name a few. These diverse personalities and stories allow the play to tackle self-acceptance and the search for meaning from multiple angles. It offers something deeply relatable for each audience member.
Set within the walls of Casa Zulema, a colonial-style home with smaller space that a theatre, the production maintains a naturalistic feel. The simplicity of the setting adds to the intimacy of the experience, while carefully designed lighting enhances key moments. Between scenes, the lights dim as the audience moves from one room to another, mimicking the effect of a curtain closing in a traditional theatre. These subtle but effective choices help to guide the audience through the performance while maintaining the immersive experience.
Picture: Shantall Banks
Beyond its powerful storytelling, “Hasta Que Te Quieras” is a testament to the growth of experimental theatre in Paraguay. This trend is expanding worldwide, as theatre makers seek to attract younger audiences with more dynamic and engaging experiences. The overwhelming response from attendees reflects this shift. Everyone left the performance excited and deeply moved. The play’s director, Andrés Colinas, was visibly proud to see his vision come to life, watching as his “baby” grew into something impactful and meaningful for the audience.
How to attend Hasta Que Te Quieras
“Hasta Que Te Quieras” was playing last weekend, but also has representations running on March 14, 15 and 16. It is scheduled for 9:00 PM at Casa Zulema (Eligio Ayala 1048 c/ EEUU). It is very close to Simón Dice, where you should set your Bolt or Uber to go or leave from, as Casa Zulema is not yet on the maps for Uber and Bolt. The show has limited spots available, ensuring a personal and impactful experience for each attendee. Tickets are priced at 50K Guaraníes, which is under 7 American Dollars or just over 6 Euros, making it an accessible yet exclusive theatrical experience. It is the average price of tickets for plays in Paraguay.
As Paraguay’s theatre community continues to grow, plays like “Hasta Que Te Quieras” highlight the creative potential of immersive storytelling. It proves that theatre is no longer confined to a stage — it can happen all around us. Stay tune for a great announcement related to the world of plays and theatre! And a big thanks to Avanti Producciones and Shantall Banks for the pictures.
Picture: Shantall Banks
