Acclaimed Spanish Play LIBERTO Makes New York Premiere

The internationally recognized production runs at Theater for the New City through March 1, 2026.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Theater for the New City is presenting the New York premiere of the acclaimed Spanish play LIBERTO, written by Gemma Brió and directed by Ignacio García-Bustelo. Inspired by Brió's personal experience, the play recounts the 15 days her newborn son lived following complications at birth, transforming grief into an intimate theatrical work marked by honesty, tenderness, and unexpected humor.

Why it matters

LIBERTO has received critical acclaim internationally, winning two Premios Butaca awards and the Serra d'Or Critics' Prize, as well as multiple Premios Max nominations. The play's New York premiere provides local audiences the opportunity to experience this highly regarded production that explores themes of love, dignity, and endurance.

The details

Performed by two actors and a musician portraying dozens of characters, LIBERTO blends storytelling, live music, and theatrical design to create an experience that moves between vulnerability and absurdity. Rather than focusing on sentimentality, the work examines the radical intensity of love.

  • LIBERTO is running at Theater for the New City through March 1, 2026.

The players

Gemma Brió

The playwright of LIBERTO, inspired by her personal experience.

Ignacio García-Bustelo

The director of LIBERTO, who said the play is 'not about death, but about the radical intensity of love.'

Christy Escobar

One of the actors in the LIBERTO cast.

Gabriela García

One of the actors in the LIBERTO cast.

Mireia Clua

The musician in the LIBERTO cast.

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What they’re saying

“Liberto is not a play about death, but about the radical intensity of love. By sharing something profoundly personal, Gemma Brió creates a space where grief becomes collective and where compassion and humor coexist.”

— Ignacio García-Bustelo, Director

What’s next

LIBERTO will continue its run at Theater for the New City through March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

LIBERTO's New York premiere provides local audiences the opportunity to experience an acclaimed Spanish production that transforms personal grief into an intimate theatrical work exploring themes of love, dignity, and endurance.