That Thing I Never Shared with You (Ese Algo Que Nunca Compartí­ Contigo)

Synopsis

A dark flat in Santiago, Chile, early morning.

A father and daughter sit at a worn-out breakfast table, the tension palpable. The Father awkwardly stirs his tea, while the Daughter numbly prepares breakfast. This is their first morning together after a long estrangement. As they navigate strained conversation, seven-year-old Martín enters, impeccably dressed for school but missing the final touch to his uniform—a tied tie. This seemingly simple morning routine unravels the deeper issues of abandonment, fear, and unresolved trauma that bind this fractured family.

The play is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, trauma, and the lingering effects of political violence. The play’s minimalist setting and lethargic dialogue starkly contrast with the underlying emotional turmoil, creating a haunting atmosphere. Themes of mental health and social isolation are deftly woven into the fabric of the narrative, which is delivered through a linear narrative that moves with the quiet intensity of a looming storm. The characters’ interactions are a delicate dance of suppressed pain and desperate attempts at connection, painted with a realism that makes their plight painfully relatable.