Jesus Christ overcame the most irresistible temptations of the devil to save humanity. Prometheus did the same, also assuming the punishment that would come later. The abnegation made myth and legend. The hope that we can truly find at some point with that form of heroism learned so many times and that it knows how to convey the final message that the union is strength for the good of all. In the current situation, believing in healing myths or saving religions seems to produce the opposite effect. The human being assumes the condemnation of his most recalcitrant individualism towards perdition. But of course, without hope there is nothing left...
We live in times, as Luis García Montero affirms in this book, in which the awareness of the present returns us to the history of the past to strengthen us in the desire for resistance. And this is the reason that has led the author, over the last few years, to reflect through essays, poetry and theater on the political and social relevance of the myth of Prometheus, that titan who dared to confront the gods and he stole their fire to give it to mortals and give them freedom with it.
This work brings together the texts of García Montero focused on the rebellious figure of Prometheus. The central piece, brought to the stage by José Carlos Plaza in 2019 at the Mérida Classical Theater Festival, proposes an intergenerational dialogue between two Prometheans: the young man, who doubts the wisdom of his rebellion given the punishment he brought with him, and the old man, who from his experience shows him the triumph that comes with always seeking the common good.
In short, Prometheus is a hopeful song about humanity, a lucid reflection on the power of solidarity, justice and freedom. Here, the myth, transformed in the light of this convulsive and hyperconnected existence in which we are immersed, continues to encourage us today to sit together around the fire to tell each other our own past and discuss the future we deserve.
You can now buy the book “Prometheus” by Luis García Montero, here:
