“The Anatomy Lesson” the emblematic work of Carlos Mathus which marked a before and after in the history of Argentine theater, celebrates its 54 years with a new season in the Empire Theatre (Hipólito Yrigoyen 1934, CABA). The functions are performed every Saturday at 8:30 p.m.with tickets on sale through Theatrical Alternative .
Released in 1972the work remained on the billboard uninterrupted until 2008 —36 consecutive years— in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Chile, Brazil, Spain and the Gaz festival, in Austria. This permanence consecrates it as the greatest success in the history of Argentine theater .
A work that defied censorship and marked a milestone
“The Anatomy Lesson” caused an important shift in the national scene and was the subject of controversies and censorship due to the initial nudity of the entire cast. In the midst of a civil-military dictatorship, performances were interrupted by military forces that requested documents from both the public and the actors. One of the most remembered anecdotes is that of the actress Alicia Allerwho, being completely naked on stage, blurted out to them: “Where do you want me to have the document?” .
“Those were times when you couldn’t finish a show without the military coming in. We had a hard time but we always chose to continue doing it,” recalled Antonio Leiva, member of the original cast and current general producer. .
The legacy continues: from Antonio Leiva to Yamila Gallione
In 2017after the death of Carlos Mathus, Antonio Leiva —actor, director and member of the original cast—decided to revive the play at the Empire Theater as a tribute to its creator. «I owed it to Carlos; I owed it to me for having performed the play for more than 40 years,» Leiva said at that time. .
Since then, the work has maintained its uninterrupted validity and, for this 2026 season, the general direction is in charge of Yamila Gallionewho was part of the cast for years and today assumes the responsibility of continuing the legacy .
Several generations of spectators have been moved by this work and many have returned to see it, bringing their children and grandchildren. This was possible because the piece, concentrated on general aspects of human nature, has not lost its validity and is stronger than ever. .
Beyond the mythical initial nude—which is nothing more than a prologue—the work explores the depths of the human being: the fear of death, loneliness, frustrations, failures, self-destruction and criticism of the commercialization of human relationships .
Antonio Leivain dialogue with Infobae, explained its validity: «The work shows the best and the worst of society. It strips not only the bodies but the souls. It talks about bullying, the fear of failure, abuse, abortion, the need to become someone at the cost of everything, even life.» .
A specialized critique of The Unconscious Magazine defines it as “a psychoanalytic work” that shows us in a stark way how our relationships are governed by social mandates, how the family—in the name of love—disguises its daily violence, and how unelaborated conflicts are transmitted from generation to generation. .
The voices of the current cast: “It is a privilege to continue this story”
The cast of the 2026 season is made up of Marcos López, Camila Vaccarini, Franco Genovese, Cristian Frenczel, Agustina Sena, Omar Ponti and Natalia Duzdevic .
In a recent interview with All Theaterthe actresses shared their reflections on what it means to be part of this historic work :
Agustina Sena: «Being part of The Anatomy Lesson is deeply significant. It is a work with an enormous history, crossed by generations of spectators and actors. Knowing that today I am part of that journey is a true honor. There is something assume an inheritance, enter a lineageand at the same time putting the body in an experience that is still alive and current.”
Natalia Duzdevic: «For me it is an enormous pride to be part of a work with so much history and so much weight within Argentine theater. There is something very honest and very brave in this work because It talks about human nature, our truths, our vulnerabilities. I feel that it is a privilege to continue a story that crossed generations and that continues to invite us to look at each other without masks.”
Camila Vaccarini: «The human body in this work is more than a simple physical instrument; it is a vehicle to explore the complexity of the human condition. Being a ‘mirror’ of societythe body reflects the patterns, prejudices and discourses that challenge us, opening a window for the public to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs.”
A classic that continues to attract new generations
Asked about what the young audience receives today, Natalia Duzdevic reflects: «The work is still very valid. Perhaps today the young audience looks at it from a different perspective, but what the work raises still exists: conflicts, fears, bonds, vulnerabilities. Regardless of the generations passing, keep stirring, keep bothering, keep filling you with questions. And that’s what keeps her alive.» .
Agustina Sena adds: “I think that the young audience manages to feel challenged because The Anatomy Lesson is timeless. There is something in the presence of the performers and in the theatrical event itself that generates identification. “A young person who sees the work for the first time always takes something away” .
Technical and artistic sheet
- Author: Carlos Mathus
- General address: Yamila Gallione
- They act: Marcos López, Camila Vaccarini, Franco Genovese, Cristian Frenczel, Agustina Sena, Omar Ponti, Natalia Duzdevic
- On-scene assistant: Sebastian Pérez Tetamanzi
- Original music: Melina Otero, Martín Sciaccaluga
- Choreography: Carlos Mathus
- Costume creation: Antonio Leiva, Mirta Liliana Palacio
- Light design: Antonio Leiva, Stefany Briones Leyton
- Lights operation: Pablo Barbetta
- Technical: Miguel Angel Segovia
- Communication and press: Mutuverría PR
- Steering assistance: Cristian Frenczel
- Executive production: Anggie Zamora Valladares, Cristian Frenczel, Cesar Mathus
- General production: Antonio Leiva
Functions and useful information
- Place: Empire Theater (Hipólito Yrigoyen 1934, CABA)
- Days and times: Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Entries: $20,000 via Theatrical Alternative or at the theater box office (Wednesday to Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.)
- Season: February, March, and then from April 18 to 25, 2026
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