Valor
by ANA CARO de MALLÉN
translated by BARBARA FUCHS and DIVERSIFYING THE CLASSICS/UCLA
adapted and directed by MAIJA GARCÍA
A Guthrie Experience
Dowling Studio
A plot-twisting adventure
Leonor gave her heart to Don Juan, only to be jilted by broken promises. To restore her honor and bring him to justice, she follows him to the Spanish Netherlands in male disguise as Don Leonardo. Outwitting her flagrant former lover (and everyone else), Leonor slowly unfolds her revenge plot, pushing past geographical boundaries, gender barriers and class differences as a wild cast of characters plays into her hands. From the pen of Ana Caro, a celebrated poet and playwright of the Spanish Golden Age, Valor captures the spirit of comedy and the rapture of romance while interrogating 17th-century notions of masculinity, nobility and honor through a radical vision of women’s agency.
Three things to know
- Valor will be performed by the A Guthrie Experience company, a group of 10 graduate actors participating in intensive theatrical training at the Guthrie from June 21 to August 8.
- Ana Caro de Mallén is a celebrated 17th-century poet and playwright of the Spanish Golden Age, and this play explores the myth of Don Juan from a feminist perspective and honors a woman’s courage (aka valor) to avenge her betrayal.
- Caro's Valor, Agravio y Mujer was translated by Barbara Fuchs and the UCLA Working Group as The Courage to Right a Woman's Wrongs. In June 2022, it received the Franklin Smith Comedia Translation Prize from The Association for Hispanic Classical Theater. Fuchs gave García permission to adapt the script and title this production Valor.
Ticket prices
Tickets are $20 ($10 for students).
Performance schedule
Wednesday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m. (preview)
Thursday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m. (Opening Night)
Friday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 6 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, August 7 at 1 p.m.
Venue info
Valor will take place in the Dowling Studio on Level Nine. Seating is general admission.
Content advisory
This production contains the use of strobe lights and fog. For more information, contact the Box Office.
Run time
Approximately 1 hour, 35 minutes (no intermission)
Accessibility
ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.
Valor
Dowling Studio
Accessibility
*ASL Interpreted Performances
*Audio Described Performances
*Open Captioned Performances
Health and safety
All audience members, regardless of age, must wear a mask that securely covers the nose and mouth (no bandanas, neck gaiters or face shields) when entering and inside the theater. Proof of vaccination is not required to see a performance at the Guthrie.
A Guthrie Experience
A Guthrie Experience relaunched in the summer 2022 under the direction of Maija García, the Guthrie’s Director of Education and Professional Training. This legacy program, founded in 1997 by Ken Washington, brings graduate actors from around the country to the Twin Cities for a seven-week intensive training and performance experience. Designed to build a bridge to the profession, we invite actors and theatermakers to cross-pollinate ideas and practices. Our hope is that alumni will return to our stages and move the field forward as future leaders of the American theater.

Photos
Valor
Dowling Studio