‘WOLFPACK’: Madrid theatre stages ‘gut-wrenching’ play based controversial La Manada sex assault case

A THEATRE in Madrid is staging a play based on the La Manada (Wolfpack in English) sexual assault trial which sparked an outcry over alleged sexism in Spain’s justice system.

The Kamikaze Theatre’s Jauria play uses transcripts from the trial of the five men who were found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman, aged 18 at the time, in Pamplona.

Navarra Provincial Court’s decision to clear them of the more serious charge of rape sparked a wave of protests across Spain and debates about institutionalised sexism.

The theatre said the play addressed the concept of masculinity and its relationship with sex in Spanish society.

It features Maria Hervas as the victim and Fran Cantos, Alex Garcia, Ignacio Mateos, Martiño Rivas and Raul Prieto who play the members of the self-styled La Manada.

Theatregoer Carmen Cariba said on Twitter the play was “brutal, gut-wrenching and shocking”.

Augustine Cascales posted on the social network: “Jauria attacks you directly in the guts. It is necessary theatre, alive and one of those experiences that are not forgotten for a long time because it leaves you knocked out.”

The play has proved controversial, with graffiti sprayed on the theatre saying: “F*** those who cash in on trauma”.

The five defendants in the La Manada case are currently on bail pending an appeal against their nine-year prison sentences.

.@teatrokamikaze #Jauría Brutal,desgarradora,en estado shock,85 min sin pestañear conteniendo respiración,6 sillas,1 cubiculo/portal 3 m2 y 1 diosa #MariaHervas rodeada 5 soberbios,auténticos actores en papel + difícil d su vida Gracias #MigueldelArco @Jordi_Casanovas x tanto pic.twitter.com/4pBtFypxsJ

— Carmen Carbia (@autenticoteatro) March 7, 2019

#Jauría te ataca directamente a las tripas. Es teatro necesario, vivo, una de esas experiencias que no se olvidan en mucho tiempo, porque te deja noqueado. Al menos, a mí. Enhorabuena a todo un equipo en estado de gracia. pic.twitter.com/eOhcti7EoO

— Agustín G. Cascales 🌈 (@agusgcascales) March 7, 2019