Pedro Calderón de la Barca 
Beware of Smooth Water 

’Beware of Smooth Water’ by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a captivating Spanish play from the 17th century. The story revolves around the complex dynamics of love and honor. The protagonist, Arsenio, finds himself torn between his love for Marcela and his sense of duty to his father. Marcela, a strong-willed woman, grapples with her own desires and societal expectations. As the plot unfolds, misunderstandings, secrets, and betrayals threaten to shatter their lives. The play delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of choices made in the name of honor. Calderón’s masterful writing weaves a tapestry of emotions and moral dilemmas, inviting the audience to contemplate the intricacies of human relationships. ’Beware of Smooth Water’ is a timeless exploration of the human condition, where the calmest waters may hide the deepest currents of passion and deceit.