At 22, Paraguayan actor, writer and emerging director Enzo Szarán is developing his own theatrical language. His work explores tragedy, German philosophy and human passions. On 23 September, 2026, Szarán presents Sobre una cama de rosas (On a bed of roses) at the Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane. A production that merges theatre, music, dance and visual arts.
Finding his artistic voice
Growing up surrounded by artists gives Szarán an early connection with the creative world. However, his artistic direction becomes clearer during his teenage years. At 15, a scholarship allows him to study theatre with master Agustín Aletto.
“When I travelled to Buenos Aires for a scholarship, I studied with the master Agustín Aletto. That changed my life,” Szarán tells The Asunción Times. “It changed the way I saw things and especially art.”
Until then, his interests centre on comics and comedy. However, discovering tragedy through Romeo and Juliet changes his artistic perspective. “I used to do a lot of comic books, a lot of comedy. Then I saw Romeo and Juliet and the movies. I understood that tragedy was what I liked.”
Since then, tragedy remains central to his creative identity. “Everything I write is tragic, dramatic or melodramatic,” he explains. Alongside tragedy, German philosophy and theatre shape his artistic approach. In particular, Bertolt Brecht and Friedrich Nietzsche influence how he understands theatre.
Enzo Szarán’s writing through music
For Szarán, the creative process begins with classical music. Before writing, he listens repeatedly until an emotional connection develops. “First I listen to classical music for a long time. When the music connects with the words I want to say, I start writing.”
From there, his process becomes detailed and methodical. He writes, listens and analyses each section before continuing. Consequently, music becomes more than background inspiration. Instead, it helps him find the emotions and words behind each scene.
Above all, Szarán wants audiences to think about what they see. His theatre therefore seeks reflection alongside emotion. “What I look for is that people think and reflect, especially about the themes in the work. That is why I use Brecht’s language in my works. I would like people to think more and reflect more on the themes present in society.”
Bringing Sobre una cama de rosas to the stage
These ideas now come together in Sobre una cama de rosas, his newest production. The story grows from his experiences as a writer and actor. Meanwhile, the play introduces a fictional religion inspired by the New Testament.
“I always wanted to create a religious work, but not a real religious work. I wanted a fictitious religion.”
From that idea, Enzo Szarán builds a larger fictional universe. The production also becomes an opportunity for young performers entering the arts. “This new work was created to encourage young people, especially those starting in this art.”
For Szarán, however, the project involves more than creating opportunities. Building a strong relationship between performers also remains essential. “Theatre is pure connection. You build a bond within the cast and create an art that requires a lot of thought.”
As a result, collaboration becomes part of the production’s creative process. The cast works together to communicate the ideas behind the story.
A different theatrical experience
On 23 September, Sobre una cama de rosas premieres at the Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane. The performance begins at 20:00 and lasts approximately one hour. For audiences, Szarán promises an experience that moves beyond conventional theatre. The production mixes theatre, music, dance and visual arts through the concept of “total theatre”.
“What people can expect from this work is something new. I believe Paraguayan national theatre has not seen something like this before. It has dance, theatre, music, all at the same time. Everything is built together.”
Furthermore, the production combines Brechtian and Meyerholdian approaches. Szarán describes this fusion as “progressive theatre”.
The project also receives support from FONDEC through its 2026 National Projects Call. Therefore, the production marks an important step for the young director and his creative team. For Szarán, directing his own work represents a long-held dream. “For me, it means something very big because it is a dream. I always wanted to direct my own work and write.”
The beginning of a larger story
However, Sobre una cama de rosas represents more than one production. The play marks the first part of a planned tetralogy centred on human passions. “The tetralogy consists of four works that go together because they deal with the same element. It is about human passions.”
The first work explores religion and faith. Afterwards, the planned stories will explore love, revenge and reconciliation. Together, the four productions will form a larger universe within Enzo Szarán’s writing. For now, however, Sobre una cama de rosas introduces that universe to Paraguayan audiences.
Ultimately, recognition is not what motivates the young director. Instead, he wants his work to encourage expression, thought and connection. “I want people to think and express themselves through art.”
Through Sobre una cama de rosas, Enzo Szarán brings that philosophy to the Paraguayan stage. At the same time, the production marks the beginning of his journey as a director.
Also read: Paraguayan Poet Miguelángel Meza Brings Guaraní Culture To Global Audiences
