City of Shadows: A Theatrical Comedy Unveils the Underbelly of a Silver-less World

“Christmas Without money Yvyguy” Brings Laughter and Heart to Asunción this Weekend

Asunción, Paraguay – December 5, 2025 – A new comedy, “Christmas Without Money Yvyguy,” is set to become the must-see family event this December in ParaguayS capital.Performances begin tonight, December 5th, and run through Sunday, December 7th, at the Teatro Latino de Asunción, located on Teniente Fariña between Yegros and Iturbe, with shows starting at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are available now through ticketea and at the theatre box office.

the play boasts a stellar cast including Kathy Pacuá, Ricky Rekalde, Raúl daumas, Orly López, Atil Closs, Mónica Closs, and Rafael Closs, all under the direction of Alfredo woo. “christmas Without money Yvyguy” promises 70 minutes of laughter, emotion, and a distinctly Paraguayan Christmas spirit.

Inspired by the traditions and folklore of the Paraguayan interior, the production weaves together a tale of entanglements, unexpected visitors, and eccentric characters. While delivering uproarious humor, the play also carries a poignant message: true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in community solidarity and the bonds that connect us.

Director Alfredo Woo explains the play is a unique adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” transplanting the story’s core themes of redemption and generosity to a small paraguayan town. Don Atilio, a miserly landowner, takes on the role of Scrooge, while the ghosts are reimagined as memorable figures from local lore.

“Navidad sin Plata yvyguy” aims to capture the warmth and resilience of Paraguayan culture, demonstrating that even with limited resources, the spirit of Christmas – and human connection – can flourish.

Other Paraguayan Arts News:

* The “Ipu Paraguay” Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Aires de mi tierra”: https://www.lanacion.com.py/espectaculo/2025/12/05/la-orquesta-filarmonica-ipu-paraguay-presenta-aires-de-mi-tierra/

* Villagrán plays in Asunción and salamandra in Fernando de la Mora: [https://www.lanacion.com.py/espectaculo/2025/12/05/villagran-toca-en-asuncion-y-salamandra-en-fernando-de-la-mora/](https://www.lanacion.com.py/espectaculo/2025/12/05/

how does the play “City of Shadows” use humor to explore serious themes related to economic systems and societal values?

The Premise: A World Without Precious Metals

“City of Shadows,” the latest production captivating audiences at the Grand Majestic Theater, isn’t your typical comedy. It’s a sharp, witty exploration of a dystopian future – specifically, 2077 – where a global catastrophe has rendered silver, gold, and all other precious metals inert. This isn’t a post-apocalyptic wasteland of dust and despair, however. It’s a surprisingly functional, albeit deeply flawed, society built on alternative currencies, bartering, and a thriving black market. The play’s central conceit – a world devoid of the economic and symbolic weight of silver and gold – provides fertile ground for social commentary and laugh-out-loud moments.

This unique setting fuels the narrative, forcing characters to adapt and revealing the frequently enough-absurd lengths people will go to in the absence of customary value systems. the play cleverly examines themes of trust,value,and the human need for something to believe in,even if that “something” is a cleverly forged polymer chip.

Key Characters & Their Struggles in a Silver-less Economy

The play revolves around a core cast navigating this strange new world:

* Elias vance: A former metallurgist,now a disillusioned pawn shop owner specializing in obsolete technology. He represents the old guard, struggling to reconcile his past expertise with a future that has no use for it.

* Seraphina “Sera” bellweather: A charismatic con artist who thrives in the chaos, dealing in counterfeit “Creds” – the city’s primary digital currency. she embodies the adaptability and resourcefulness required to survive.

* Detective Inspector Alistair Finch: A by-the-book law enforcement officer, increasingly frustrated by the limitations of a system built on shaky foundations. He’s the moral compass, constantly battling corruption and the erosion of societal norms.

* Old Man Tiber: A mysterious figure rumored to possess knowledge of the catastrophe and the potential to restore silver’s value. He serves as a catalyst for the play’s central conflict.

Each character’s arc is intricately tied to the silver-less economy. Their motivations, relationships, and struggles are all shaped by the absence of this fundamental element of our current world. The comedic tension arises from their attempts to navigate a system riddled with loopholes, scams, and the constant threat of economic collapse.

The Play’s Commentary on Modern Financial Systems

While set in a futuristic world,”City of Shadows” offers a surprisingly relevant critique of our own financial systems. The play’s writer, Anya Sharma, deliberately drew parallels between the fictional Creds and modern cryptocurrencies, highlighting the inherent risks and vulnerabilities of digital currencies.

Here’s how the play tackles these themes:

1. The Illusion of Value: the Creds, like many modern currencies, derive their value from collective belief.The play demonstrates how easily this belief can be manipulated, leading to economic instability.
2. The Rise of Counterfeiting: With a digital currency, counterfeiting takes on a new dimension. Sera’s exploits expose the challenges of securing digital assets and the potential for widespread fraud.
3. The Power of Centralization: The play subtly questions the control exerted by the central bank responsible for issuing and regulating the Creds, mirroring concerns about centralized financial institutions.
4. Bartering & Alternative Economies: The thriving black market and the resurgence of bartering demonstrate the human tendency to find alternative means of exchange when traditional systems fail.

Stagecraft & Design: Creating a Believable Dystopia

The production design of “City of Shadows” is a masterclass in world-building. The set, designed by renowned artist Ben Carter, is a claustrophobic labyrinth of neon-lit alleyways and decaying skyscrapers. The color palette is dominated by grays, blacks, and muted blues, reflecting the play’s somber tone.

Key design elements include:

* Projection Mapping: Used to create a sense of scale and immerse the audience in the city’s environment.

* Interactive Props: Many props are designed to be manipulated by the actors, adding a layer of realism and spontaneity to the performance.

* Costume Design: The costumes, created by isabella Rossi, are a blend of futuristic and retro styles, reflecting the play’s themes of nostalgia and adaptation.

* Sound Design: A haunting soundscape, incorporating electronic music and ambient noise, enhances the play’s atmosphere of unease and suspense.

The Impact of the “Silver Crash” – A Fictional history

The play establishes a detailed backstory for the “Silver Crash” of 2052. According to the play’s narrative, a previously unknown cosmic radiation event altered the atomic structure of precious metals, rendering them chemically inert and devoid of their conductive properties. This had cascading effects on global economies,technological infrastructure,and even cultural traditions.

While fictional, the