The Jesús Ibáñez de Matauco Theater hosted the presentation of fifteen Basque companies participating in the 51st Vitoria-Gasteiz International Theater Festival. As stated by the responsible councilor, Sonia Díaz de Corcuera, their prominence, making up 40% of the program, "visualizes one of the important and strategic axes of the City Council's Culture area: the firm support and commitment to local and Basque scenic creation".
The councilor and the head of the Municipal Theater Network, Marta Monfort, thanked them for their contribution to this cultural event, one of the city's most important and deeply rooted with half a century of history and a clear benchmark in performing arts in Spain.
Local artists presented their scenic proposals, 7 of which are in Basque. In total, 15 Basque agents will participate: 7 from Alava, 6 from the rest of the Basque Country, and 2 expanded programming actions led by Inés Aubert from Navarre and Juan Ibarrondo from Alava.
This edition will feature works by companies such as: Inés Aubert, El mono habitado, Ékoma Teatro, Amaia Bono & Clau_topia, Musaloka Kolektiboa, Makur Antzerkia, Parasite Kolektiboa, Xake Produkzioak, ZirKuSS, Anita Maravillas, Tanttaka, Proyecto Larrua, Teatro Paraíso, Juan Ibarrondo, and the Asociación de Profesionales de la Danza de Euskadi.
The Councilor for Culture emphasized that "since 1975, many plays, dances, and other languages have passed through the Festival, countless artists, technicians, set designers, people…. And we wish that the International Theater Festival continues to be a home for everyone, welcoming you in the future and that you continue to grow alongside it."
Ticket sales will begin on September 16. The edition will feature a total of 34 shows, 47 performances, and 8 "Teatro abierto" activities, including 6 absolute premieres by local companies and 6 pieces to be seen for the first time in the Basque Country.
Additionally, Vitoria-Gasteiz will host 7 international companies from countries such as China, Italy, Great Britain, Brazil, and Argentina, including the prestigious dance company TAO Dance Theater, El Rayo misterioso, La compañía criolla, Poliana Lima, The Tiger Lillies, and Italy's Teatro delle Ariette.
These are joined by other figures from the Spanish scene such as Carolina Yuste, Carlos Hipólito, José María Pou, Eneko Sagardoy, Malena Alterio, Javier Cámara, Israel Elejalde, and Natalia Huarte. Among the notable directors are Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Andrés Lima, Josep María Mesures, Ernesto Caballero, and Pablo Remón. In choreography, highlights include La Veronal, Taiat Dansa, Brodas Bros, and Paula Quintana.
