GALA Theatre launches its 51st season, The Start of a New Beginning, with the world premiere of GARBO: The Actor Who Saved the World, a powerful thriller, spiked with humor, based on a true story of one of the most decisive moments in World War II. This original work is penned by GALA’s Artistic Director Gustavo Ott, with original music by Koki Lortkipanidze, directed by Cuban Carlos Celdrán, and translated by Heather McKay. The production will be presented September 3 through September 27, 2026, at GALA in Columbia Heights.
GARBO: The Actor Who Saved the World brings to the stage one of World War II’s most extraordinary little told stories: Juan Pujol, a frustrated theatre artist from Catalonia who became one of history’s most brilliant double agents. Driven by his instinct for performance and storytelling, Pujol created an elaborate web of deception that helped mislead the Nazi regime, paving the way to Allied victory in the Battle of Normandy. Transforming this true story into a cinematic, metatheatrical adventure, GARBO traces Pujol’s journey from his early dreams of joining Federico García Lorca’s legendary theatre troupe to his role in one of the war’s most daring espionage operations.
At a time when disinformation, propaganda, and the fragility of democracy continue to shape public discourse, GALA’s world premiere examines the power of storytelling to influence perception, challenge power, and shape history. The production asks what happens when imagination moves beyond the stage—and becomes a tool for resistance.
Performances of GARBO: The Actor Who Saved the World are in Spanish with English surtitles, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Press Night will take place Friday, September 4 at 8 pm and Noche de GALA will take place Saturday, September 12 at 8 pm. The production is approximately 90 minutes long, including an intermission, and is appropriate for ages 13 and up.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Featured in the production and making their GALA debut are actors Kevin Jorges as Juan Pujol (Garbo) and Clara Navarro as Ale, Araceli, and Sara Bishop; GALA company members Carlos Castillo as Thomas Harris and Padre and Delbis Cardona as Oficial 1, César, Attaché, Kapitán, and Oficial 2; and GALA debutants Jonathan Collet as Gustav, Luis, Damorest, and Eisenhower; and Giovanni Felicer as Hitler, Cyrill, and Tomás.
TICKETS & GENERAL INFORMATION
Single tickets for GARBO: The Actor Who Saved the World are $50 Premium Center, $45 Orchestra Standard, $35 Orchestra Value, and $25 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 Students and 25 and Under; Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). Visit www.galatheatre.org or call (202) 234-7174 for more details.
GALA Theatre is located at 3333 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010, one block north of the Columbia Heights Metro station (Green/Yellow lines). Parking is available at a $4 flat rate in the Giant Food garage on Park Road, NW (must validate parking ticket in the theatre lobby for discount). GALA has 4 wheelchair-accessible spaces and an elevator to transport people from the entrance to the lobby and to the house.
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