Smiley — chicagosocialbutterflies.com

Open Space Arts is proud to present SMILEY by Guillem Clua, a sharp, funny, and deeply relatable queer romantic comedy that has captivated audiences around the world.
Originally premiering in Barcelona, SMILEYquickly became a breakout success in Spain, enjoying extended runs in Barcelona and Madrid and earning widespread acclaim. Since its debut, the play has been produced internationally across Europe and Latin America, with productions in Germany, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Chile, Puerto Rico, Peru, and beyond.
While SMILEY has become a global audience favorite, it has had only limited exposure in the United States, with select Spanish-language productions in New York and Miami. Open Space Arts’ production introduces this internationally celebrated work to Chicago audiences, offering a fresh opportunity to experience one of the most engaging contemporary queer love stories to emerge from the European stage.
When ÁLEX leaves a voicemail for his ex, it lands in the inbox of BRUNO—a stranger. What begins as a wrong message turns into an unexpected connection between two very different men. As texts turn into calls, and calls into something more, they navigate attraction, vulnerability, and the complicated reality of modern love.
Funny, fast, and disarmingly honest, SMILEYexplores the thrill and risk of connection in a world shaped by screens, expectations, and the fear of being truly seen.
Guillem Clua is one of Spain’s most widely produced contemporary playwrights, whose work has been staged internationally and translated into multiple languages. His plays, including SMILEY and THE SWALLOW, are known for their emotional intelligence, wit, and insight into the complexities of human connection.
Open Space Arts continues its commitment to bold, intimate storytelling that centers queer lives and voices with SMILEY, a play that reflects the company’s ongoing exploration of connection, identity, and the evolving nature of love.