Manuel Sosa-Ramirez

In this sarcastic tragicomedy (2009), which establishes a direct dialogue with Beckett, Kafka and Viviane Forrester, Sanchis Sinisterra examines the paradoxical hiring procedures of a transnational corporation in time of a sharp labor crisis affecting Spain. A young female candidate interviewing for a job faces an odd interviewer and his assistant, who throughout the interview makes evasive and incoherent comments. The interviewer seems to be more interested in the candidate's personal life than her job experience. Gradually, the situation becomes more chaotic and more confusing to the candidate and the audience. Meanwhile, the mysterious Mr. Klamm, who never appears in scene, seems to be manipulating everything from somewhere, including the fate of the other three characters.

Globalization has been a polarizing topic throughout the world. For some, it has had positive effects, creating and spreading wealth; for others, it its tantamount to economic imperialism and increases poverty in underdeveloped nations. The Spanish/Catalonian playwright Jordi Galcerán explores these themes in his satiric play El método Gronhölm (2003). Garcelán's play is set in an enclosed and luxurious office building in the middle of present-day Barcelona or Madrid. Four candidates for an executive position in a multinational corporation face each other in a final interview. There is no interviewer, however; they must eliminate each other by employing Darwinian-like tactics in which the strong will defeat the weak. In the analysis of the play, especially the portrayal of the dynamic "corporatization" of Spain and its implications for Spanish national culture, I employ Fredric Jameson's theories of the late capitalist system, and the emergence of modern global cultures; and Jean Baudrillard's theories on Simulacra/Simulation. Garcelán's play can be seen as both a resistance to the cataclysm of globalization or as an acceptance of its inevitability.

Baltasar Garzón-jurista español de la Audiencia Nacionalsaltó a la palestra internacional en octubre de 1998 cuando emitió una orden de arresto del ex dictador chileno Augusto Pinochet. El magistrado investigaba por ese entonces las desapariciones de ciudadanos españoles ocurridas bajo las dictaduras chilena y argentina de los años 70 y 80 del pasado siglo. La detención de Pinochet en Londres no sólo trajo consigo dos sentencias de los loores del parlamento inglés que permitían su extradición a España, sino que demostró que los jefes de estado también podían ser obligados a rendir cuentas frente a un tribunal. Posteriormente el gobierno británico denegaría la extradición del ex dictador y le concedería la libertad; el hecho, no obstante, sentó un sólido precedente que provocaría una ronda de casos similares en Chile y otros países. De igual manera, Garzón se valió de las leyes internacionales que

It was exactly 10:37 when the door burst open-<<it's time, we have to go>> she whispered in his ear. Expectation and nervousness did not wait. One night, a scarlet of a faint moon was announced in the atmosphere. Outside in the forest, the chilling song of an owl and the screeching of animals engaged in fighting hurt the senses. This backdrop, accompanied by the howling of dogs in the distance, suggested a revelation. But what was foreshadowed? It had rained all afternoon- hence the intense smell of wet Oerra that reminded us of the blue-gray of winter evenings. Marco quickly grabbed the keys and, in a halo of concern and expectation, headed to the garage. They were not prepared. Everything had been brought forward by at least two weeks. There were no symptoms, pain, or ailments. But now, like this, suddenly, everything came together. Clara urged Marco to gather a few things and put them in a small suitcase. It was said that although the trip was not long, the stay was uncertain. Between light moans and questions of <<How do you feel?>> They managed to pass the few deserted streets of the small town. They felt imprisoned by an anxiety that was growing little by little. They would have said to themselves remain calm.-<<Are you okay?>>-he asked continuously. <<I think so.>> she responded. <<Although I have never felt so strange>>. Upon arriving at the place, a young woman dressed in white, with a tired expression, asked how long ago everything had started-<<Maybe a couple of hours at most>> they responded. The huge service room, with a large counter and plenty of chairs, was almost empty. Two old men and a woman dozing in easy chairs, and a young man filled with anxiety it seemed to them were the only ones present. As Marco answered the woman's questioning TRANSLATION

The Home Collection Kit-una empresa en sí ardorosa

El hombre se alistó. Leyó las intrincadas instrucciones-que le parecieron excesivas y poco claras-y procedió a ejecutar la empresa que su médico le había asignado. Hasta el momento todo iba bien: se sentó en la taza, empujó varias veces, no sin antes depositar la impecable hoja de un

Marco confronts his father while meeting his mother and family in search of the truth of his origin. The boy discovers that his mother did not abandon him but, through deceit, he was separated from her. Marco reconciles with his two families. At the same time, his stay in Latin America and the US reveals other worlds still hidden from the little boy. While Marco gets older he develops a much clearer awareness of his complicated origin.

They had an appointment. It was clear that everything would turn out well (at least that's what they thought). Having an appointment, as we know, usually gives that strange feeling (not always truthfully) that everything will go according to plan. The anxiety, restlessness, and uncertainty are completely canceled (at least, that is what is believed) given the certainty that solid ground is being stepped on. In short, there is no possible margin for error (or there should not be), doubt, or misunderstanding. Nothing is more contrary to reality. In the area where they lived, violent tornadoes had become currency. They appear out of nowhere and like giant monsters they rise ready to devour everything in their path. The house was located in a low relief dominated by a small hill (in truth, it is still there) dense with bushes. In such a way that the cars circulating on the only access street could be seen at roof level. To complete the picture, the landscape of the house was (or is) a sharply inclined hillside that descends like a ravine until it joins a small almost jungle forest. The neighbors' house across the street (co-workers) was (still is) about two hundred meters up. To visit them you had to climb the hill, sometimes slippery, along a small paved path that was almost always wet. As a topic of conversation, our dear colleagues were always proud of having an underground emergency shelter with room for six people with water, food and everything. The Fempo report from the day before the appointment was not at all strange. In the next few days, a little rain and occasional isolated blizzards were forecast, which did not represent any problem. That night, however, had been inexplicably much more eventful than could be considered normal. A mysterious wind made the trees sway from side to side with such force that the creaking of branches colliding with each other, or coming down, could be clearly heard. The increasing intensity of the wind made the night howl as if it were a pack of loose TRANSLATION

Eran exactamente las 10:37 cuando la puerta se abrió de golpe-<<llegó la hora, tenemos que irnos>> le susurró al oído. Expectación y nerviosismo no se hicieron esperar. Una noche escarlata de luna tenue se anunciaba en la atmósfera. Afuera, allá en el bosque, el escalofriante cantar de un búho y el chirrido de animales enzarzados en pelea hería los senMdos. Este telón de fondo, acompañado del aullido de unos perros rayando la lejanía, hacía pensar en una revelación. Pero ¿qué se presagiaba?