Almagro welcomes your Edition 48 of the International Classical Theatre Festival, a must-attend event for those who enjoy theatre and culture in the middle of summer. 3 to 27 July, the city of La Mancha is once again a meeting point for national and international companies, established artists and new voices that renew the tradition of the Spanish Golden Age.
La opening day has had a particularly symbolic profile with the delivery of the Corral de Comedias Award to Cristina Hoyos, an undisputed figure in flamenco and dance, who becomes the first artist in this genre to receive the award. The opening ceremony was attended by institutional figures such as the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, the President of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, and Mayor Francisco Ureña, underscoring the institutional support for the festival.
A diverse and current poster: between the classic and the contemporary
La this year's programming solution by Maestrale seamlessly integrates 48 companies from eight countries and around twenty absolute premieres, demonstrating the amplitude and the character international of the proposal. Among the most anticipated productions is “Fuenteovejuna”, by Lope de Vega, which this year adds a historic novelty: it is the first time that it is directed by a woman, Rakel Camacho, with a theatrical version by María Folguera for the National Classical Theatre Company. This production will be at the Adolfo Marsillach Theater on various dates of the festival. More about classical theatre festivals.
Furthermore, the international presence stands out through companies such as Shanghai Yikou Culture, which brings a Chinese adaptation of "Don Juan," as well as Portuguese and British groups. The program is not limited to the Corral de Comedias, but extends to other venues in the city: the old university, Villarreal Palace House and the Municipal theater, which host recitals, dramatized readings, dance, music, circus, and inclusive and family-friendly performances. Special attention is also paid to women and their role in Golden Age theater with various series and activities.
A prominent tribute to Cristina Hoyos
La flamenco dancer Cristina Hoyos has been the great protagonist of the opening, receiving the Corral de Comedias Award in recognition of a career that has transcended borders and genres. In the words of the organization, Hoyos symbolizes the bridge between tradition and innovation artistic, distancing the art of the Golden Age from mere nostalgia and bringing it closer to the present through dance. From his debut in the tablaos to the creation of his company and the direction of the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, Hoyos has managed to embody the contemporary expression of the Baroque legacyHis career has been recognized with awards such as the National Dance Award, the Gold Medal of Andalusia, and his appointment as UNESCO World Dance Ambassador.
During the ceremony, the artist gave a moving speech, accompanied by a dance performance by Hoyos and a tribute to Carmen Amaya that moved everyone in attendance at the Corral de Comedias.
Works, spaces and activities for all audiences
La theatrical offer It stands out for its variety of productions and genres. In addition to the classics of Lope de Vega and Tirso de Molina, the festival also hosts contemporary creations such as "Party", international adaptations and inclusive theatre, adding proposals for all tastes and ages. The performances take place in the Corral de Comedias, the old university and the Municipal theater, in addition to offering theatrical tours, dance performances, Baroque and Sephardic music, and circus events such as the inaugural show “Volatines” in the Plaza Mayor. More about theater festivals in Spain.
There is also a playful-cultural approach with free exhibitions At the National Museum of Performing Arts, cooking classes, gastronomic tours, a craft fair organized by the AMIARTE Association, and a playroom for families are offered. In addition, workshops, educational activities, and thematic series are offered for diverse audiences, fostering reflection and debate on theater and culture.
The Corral de Comedias: the epicenter of the festival
The historical Corral de Comedias once again becomes the focus of the festival, presenting a selection of both classical and contemporary works, such as “Wanderers” (Scandere), “King Lear” (Chapitô Company), “The discreet lover” (Umbra Theatre), “Soldiers” (Yeses Theater), “Antonia García” (Point-blank theater) and “Golden Dialogues” (Figurín Company), in addition to the versions of “Fuenteovejuna”.
Each performance in this space creates a unique atmosphere and keeps alive the theatrical tradition of the Golden Age. The program also includes concerts, musical performances, and dramatized tours that allow attendees to explore the history of this emblematic site.
Almagro demonstrates, edition after edition, its commitment to theater as a space for thought, emotion, and coexistence. The 2025 program reaffirms the open and plural nature of the festival, which combines tradition and avant-garde To keep the flame of classical art alive. The city vibrates with culture throughout July in every corner, from the historic settings to the streets and squares.
