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Aguijón Theater's "Death and the Maiden" Explores Justice and Vengeance
The Spanish-language revival of Ariel Dorfman's play raises timely questions about fascism and accountability.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Aguijón Theater's production of Ariel Dorfman's 1990 play "La muerte y la doncella" ("Death and the Maiden") explores the aftermath of a brutal military dictatorship. The play follows a married couple, Paulia and Gerardo, as Paulia confronts a man she believes was one of her torturers during her time as a political prisoner. As Gerardo is set to join a truth and reconciliation commission, Paulia seeks her own form of justice, raising questions about how to address the horrors of the past.
Why it matters
Dorfman's play, inspired by the atrocities of Augusto Pinochet's regime in Chile, remains relevant as societies grapple with how to seek justice and accountability for past fascist actions. The Aguijón Theater production highlights the personal and political tensions that arise when trying to move forward after trauma and oppression.
The details
In the play, Paulia is convinced that Roberto, a friendly doctor who gave Gerardo a ride home, is the man who tortured her years earlier. She ties him up in their home, insisting on putting him on trial. As Paulia and Gerardo argue, it becomes clear that Gerardo has never fully understood the horrors Paulia endured, as he was not the one subjected to torture and rape. The play explores how the "smallest but most disturbing details" of the past are slowly revealed over the course of the 90-minute production.
- The play runs from February 11 to March 8, 2026.
- Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM.
The players
Paulia
The wife of Gerardo, a former political prisoner who was tortured and raped during a brutal military dictatorship. She is convinced that Roberto, a friendly doctor, is one of her former torturers.
Gerardo
Paulia's husband, who is set to join a new government's truth and reconciliation commission. He questions whether Paulia's PTSD is leading her to falsely accuse an innocent man.
Roberto
A friendly doctor who gave Gerardo a ride home. Paulia believes he is one of her former torturers, and she ties him up in their home to put him on trial.
Ariel Dorfman
The Chilean writer who penned the original play "La muerte y la doncella" ("Death and the Maiden"), which was inspired by his own experiences witnessing the horrors of the Pinochet regime in Chile.
Aguijón Theater
The Chicago-based theater company producing the Spanish-language revival of Dorfman's play.
What they’re saying
“It's time to 'shut the door on the divisions and hatreds of the past.'”
— Roberto (Chicago Reader)
What’s next
The production of "Death and the Maiden" at Aguijón Theater will continue its run through March 8, 2026, providing Chicago audiences the opportunity to engage with the play's timely exploration of justice, vengeance, and the legacy of fascism.
The takeaway
Dorfman's play, as revived by Aguijón Theater, serves as a powerful reminder that the reckoning with past atrocities and the pursuit of justice is an ongoing struggle, one that continues to resonate in societies grappling with the aftermath of authoritarian rule and political violence.
