The town of Almagro in Ciudad Real is ready to transform itself, once again, into the world's largest showcase dedicated to the Spanish Golden Age. For 25 days, theater lovers can enjoy a program that this year aims to make the audience feel like active participants in the event. Under the slogan "Play in Almagro," the organizers have designed a route that extends beyond theatrical performances, encompassing every corner of this town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. historical and artistic site in the heart of La Mancha.
This year's event is packed with new features and renewed ambition, boasting fifty programs encompassing dance, music, and circus. The lineup for this edition is no small feat, with a program that includes... sixteen world premieres on the various stages that dot the city. From the mythical Corral de Comedias to more modern spaces like the AUREA silo, the intention is that no one misses out on experiencing the magic of classic texts from a fresh and current perspective.
The starting gun and the recognition of Pepe Viyuela
One of the most anticipated moments of the inauguration was undoubtedly the presentation of the prestigious Corral de Comedias Award. This year, the award went to Pepe Viyuela, an artist who has demonstrated a An impeccable career marked by honesty and his ability to connect with the audience through poetry and clowning. Viyuela not only takes home the prize, but will also take to the stage alongside Rosa León to offer a recital that promises to thrill the audience in the auditorium.
In strictly theatrical terms, the National Classical Theatre Company has kicked things off with a production that is generating a lot of buzz. It is a new version of *El caballero de Olmedo*, where director Laila Ripoll has decided to set Lope de Vega's drama in the 19th centuryThis vision gives the work an almost gothic and supernatural atmosphere, centered on the premonition of death and the ancestral terror that surrounds the protagonist, making the verses resonate with renewed force for today's audience.
The behind-the-scenes work is another strength that allows everything to run like clockwork. Technical teams work tirelessly, often around the clock, to ensure that set changes between performances are seamless for the audience. There is a absolute respect for architectural heritage of the buildings where the performance takes place, especially in the Corral de Comedias, where the lighting and sound setup is done with extreme care so as not to alter in the slightest the original structure of this 17th-century treasure.
A commitment to female talent and new languages
The festival's management, led by Irene Pardo, has emphasized the importance of providing resources for culture so that creativity doesn't arise from precarious conditions. This philosophy is reflected in a program where Women of the Golden Age have a special prominenceWorks such as Laurencia, a revision of the Fuenteovejuna character by Alberto Conejero, or La vengadora de las mujeres, focus on the intellectual and moral feminist vindication that was already present in texts from four centuries ago.
In addition to its national traditions, Almagro opens its doors to international talent with the arrival of companies from China and France. It is fascinating to see how the Shanghai Opera or Parisian theater reinterpret classics like Molière, demonstrating that Theatre is a universal language that knows no bordersThese proposals coexist naturally with more contemporary formats, such as live podcast recordings or audio dramas that attract a younger and more diverse audience.
The experience of visiting Almagro in July goes far beyond what happens when the curtain rises. To ensure the heat isn't a deterrent, the organizers have set up climate-rescue areas in museums and churches, guaranteeing that visitors can enjoy the art without feeling overwhelmed. In addition, security measures have been reinforced. transport services from Ciudad Real to facilitate access for all those who want to come and enjoy the day, complementing the offer with gastronomic routes that allow you to taste the typical dishes of the area.
The grand Baroque festival has thus established itself as a fundamental economic and cultural engine for the region, where every euro invested is multiplied thanks to the influx of visitors. Between cooking classes, wine tastings accompanied by poetry readings, and guided tours of the palaces of La Mancha, the festival brings the heritage to life. The combined efforts of artists, technicians, and administrators ensure that, for almost a month, this corner of Spain remains the an undisputed benchmark for classical creation and thought, already preparing for the challenges that reaching half a century of history will entail in the upcoming editions.