strasbourg National Theater Stages Raw Portrait of Childhood Translation in “Valentina“
STRASBOURG, FRANCE – A poignant new tragicomedy, valentina, currently running at the Théâtre national de Strasbourg, is sparking conversation about the complex roles children assume within families-particularly as cultural translators and emotional caretakers.Penned and directed by Caroline Guiela nguyen, the play delves into the often-invisible burdens placed upon youngsters navigating multiple languages and familial expectations.
The production, a collaboration between France Culture and the Strasbourg National Theater, offers a deeply affecting exploration of how language-and its absence-shapes identity and familial bonds. Valentina doesn’t present a sensationalized narrative,but rather a delicately rendered portrayal of a child caught between her mother tongue and the societal language,between inherited trauma and the need for affection,and between the responsibilities of early adulthood and the simple joys of childhood. This work resonates at a time when discussions around intergenerational trauma, immigrant experiences, and the emotional labor expected of children are gaining prominence.Guiela Nguyen’s play illuminates the power dynamics within families were a child may become a vital link, interpreting for parents or assuming a parental role themselves. The piece examines how love can manifest in ways that bypass direct verbal expression, and the impact of such indirect communication on a child’s growth. Valentina isn’t simply a story about one girl; it’s a mirror reflecting the experiences of countless children navigating similar circumstances.
A 28-minute audio interview wiht Guiela Nguyen, available through France Culture, provides further insight into the artistic and thematic intentions behind Valentina, framing the work as an essential contribution too contemporary discourse on intimate histories and broader societal issues. The play is currently running at the Théâtre National de Strasbourg with dates and ticketing facts available on the theater’s website.
