Surreal illustration of suspended suits in a theater, symbolizing memory and identity.

Beyond the Stage: How "The Absent One" Reshapes Memory and Identity

Author's portrait.
Samir D’Costa in Culture & Society April 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the adaptation of Xavier Villaurrutia's work and its impact on contemporary audiences. Discover how theater redefines memory and gives voice to overlooked narratives."


In the realm of theatrical adaptation, some works transcend mere storytelling, becoming profound explorations of memory, identity, and cultural rediscovery. Stefano Muneroni's adaptation of Xavier Villaurrutia's "El ausente" stands as a compelling example. Staged during the 2013 StageLAB Festival, this play is not just a revival but a reimagining of Villaurrutia's themes for a contemporary audience.

Xavier Villaurrutia, a significant Mexican writer, is not widely recognized in North America. Muneroni’s adaptation seeks to change this, offering a platform to remember and celebrate Villaurrutia's contributions. By translating and adapting "El ausente," Muneroni brings Villaurrutia's voice to new ears, creating a dialogue between the past and the present.

The adaptation incorporates elements from Villaurrutia's poem "Nocturnos de los Ángeles," using the image of suspended suits to represent gay angels. This creative choice underscores the play's themes of identity and representation, providing a visual metaphor for the hidden and often silenced voices within society. The production creates a public forum to address and explore these themes.

Reviving Silenced Voices: How Theater Addresses Homoeroticism

Surreal illustration of suspended suits in a theater, symbolizing memory and identity.

One of the most significant aspects of Muneroni's adaptation is its approach to the homoerotic undertones in Villaurrutia's work. By giving voice to what was once silent, the play opens up new avenues for critical engagement with Villaurrutia's oeuvre. This bold move not only honors the original text but also invites contemporary audiences to reflect on the evolution of societal attitudes towards homoeroticism.

The play challenges the notion of memory as a passive retrieval of the past. Instead, it presents memory as an active process of interpretation and reconfiguration. Muneroni’s adaptation does not merely seek to replicate Villaurrutia’s original work; it reimagines it in the light of present-day concerns and perspectives.
  • Memory as Interpretation: The adaptation emphasizes that memory is not a static recall but an active interpretation of the past.
  • Contemporary Relevance: By reimagining Villaurrutia's themes, the play addresses contemporary issues and resonates with modern audiences.
  • Giving Voice to Silences: The production confronts the silences surrounding homoeroticism, providing a platform for open dialogue.
Muneroni’s work encourages audiences to reconsider how we engage with historical texts and cultural figures. By adapting Villaurrutia for a contemporary audience, the play sparks a renewed interest in his writings and invites further exploration of his themes. This approach highlights the enduring relevance of Villaurrutia’s work and its capacity to speak to new generations.

The Enduring Legacy of "The Absent One"

Stefano Muneroni's adaptation of "The Absent One" serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of theater. By bringing Xavier Villaurrutia's work to a contemporary audience, the play not only revives a forgotten voice but also challenges conventional understandings of memory and identity. As audiences engage with this reimagined narrative, they are invited to reflect on the complexities of representation, the importance of cultural rediscovery, and the enduring power of theater to spark meaningful dialogue.

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