It seems like a stretch to say that Garbo “saved the world,” according to the play’s subtitle, but after seeing the performance and becoming acquainted with his life in the play that bears his name, well, maybe he did.
“Garbo” was Juan Pujol Garcia (1914-1988), a name unknown to most, but a name that won’t be forgotten after seeing this world premiere by Gustavo Ott, which kicks off GALA Hispanic Theatre’s 51st season.
The familiar Greta Garbo and Juan Pujol Garcia did have a connection, established by the British during World War II when they secretly gave Juan Ms. Garbo’s surname to commemorate his excellent acting abilities.
Garbo was a double agent for the Germans and the British and is one of the few men to receive military honors from both foes, the Iron Cross from Germany (which Adolf Hitler had to approve), and the Member of the Order of the British Empire awarded to Juan by King George VI in 1944.
Impassioned by his love of theatre and what he learned from watching numerous productions and films, Juan’s imagination enabled him to make up lies and create 27 (or 32) “accomplices” and strategies that he fed the Germans whose egos would not let them accept anything less than the deceptions. (Remind you of anyone?)
He convinced the Nazis that the location of the D-Day invasion of June 4, 1944 was set for Calais, about 250 miles north of the actual landing at Omaha Beach at Normandy, leading to the Allies’ victory.
Venezuelan Kevin Jorges, the winner of many theatre awards, is Garbo, making his debut at GALA. In a stirring performance, he deftly manages the transitions of Garbo’s life and his alliances with the super powers.
The play opens in Venezuela with Grandfather Juan telling his life story to his grandchildren before the scene flashes back across the Atlantic and his spy work.
All the actors, save Jorges, performed multiple roles with strong deliveries: Delbis Cardona has six! Clara Navarro, the only woman in the cast, is a sassy and energetic wife, his granddaughter and, later, military officer.
One of Mauricio Gómez Amoretti’s three roles is as General Dwight David Eisenhower, while Geovanni Felicier is the obvious Adolf Hitler who arrives in uniform with his hat shadowing the top of his face but exposing the unmistakable mustache. (Rukiya Henry-Fields’s costumes and Andre Hopfer’s hair and makeup help convey time changes.)
Carlos Castillo is Garbo’s father and British aide, Thomas Harris.
In dimmed lighting, actors quickly changed sparse settings (by Jessica Alexandra Cancino) from one place to another while the years ticked by: from Caracas to Madrid, London, Lisbon, documented by Luis Garcia’s excellent historic videography on backdrops.
Without the background (albeit pre-recorded), music by composer, sound designer and Helen Hayes Award winner Koki Lortkipanidze, the show would have lacked a critical element of its success.
Combining a cello and the sometimes slow solo electric piano sounds of the high pitches of a harpsichord, the original score is a haunting background which strengthened the message of Garbo’s triumph.
Carlos Celdrán directed with assistance from Luz Nicolás. Other creative team members are Hailey Laroe, lighting; Iara Rogers Benchoam, properties; Solis E. Pettit, stage manager.
In Spanish with English subtitles on three screens. Appropriate for ages 13 and up.
“Garbo” runs through September 27, 2026, Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Columbia Heights Metro Station and a flat fee of $4 to park at the Giant on Park Road around the corner are nearby. (Parking is validated in the GALA lobby.) GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. Ph. 202-234-7174. Duration: 90 minutes with an intermission.
