- Representations, with free entry until capacity is reached, will take place at location in locationCultural Center of Antigua, location in locationThe new final city and Teatro María Luisa, where the closing gala will take place
- «Mérida is undoubtedly the picturesque capital of this country,» says the culture delegate, Antonio Vélez, «and hethat we intend to bring to life the fabrics of companies, both extreme and national, that part of theater, which is often not as visible, which is amateur theater «
- Pepe Martínez, from Fatex, thanked the activity of the Municipal Council indicating that «the festival is a clear example of the quality of Amateur Theater, which offers a diversity of genres and themes that invite reflection and emotion»
The National Amateur Theater Festival «Mérid on Stage,» organized by the local council in conjunction with the Federation of Amateur Theater Companies (FATEX) and the National Confederation landscape, will take place from May 9 to 18, offering a selected program that will demonstrate artistic maturity and the ability to address complex and relevant issues.
The performances, with free entry until capacity is reached, will take place at the Cultural Center of La Antigua, at the Cultural Center of the new City, and at Teatro María Luisa, where the closing gala will take place.
«Mérida is, without a doubt, the picturesque capital of this country,» says the culture delegate, Antonio Vélez, «and what we aim to do is bring to life the tapestry of companies, both extreme and at a national level, that part of theater that is not as visible, which is amateur theater, not professional, even though one of these companies.
As Antonio Vélez recalls, «theater is an art that can never be replaced by a screen; the experience of seeing live theater is, since the invention of the Greeks, irreplaceable.»
Pepe Martínez, from Fatex, thanked the activity of the Municipal Council, indicating that more than 80 groups applied to participate in the festival «a large number, considering that the works must be by contemporary authors; of all, a selection was made until the six that will participate in this edition.»
The festival «is a clear example of this quality, offering a diversity of genres and themes that invite reflection and emotion,» he adds.
The selection of works addresses issues that connect with current reality and the human condition. For example, in the play GOTA by Melpómene Independent (Madrid), there is an exciting drama about the migration crisis, the feeling of emptiness, and the welcome received by exiles, representing the most absolute struggle and downfall.
A ocho y veinte from the theater group of the great quantity (Extremadura) explores violence in the family, the difficulty of breaking with the past, and the painful decision of a mother for the future of her children, questioning if love justifies everything and revealing a dark secret. On the other hand, Promesas de libertad from Teatro Traian (Andalucía), set in times of war, depicts the individual search for personal and emotional freedom amidst chaos, moral dilemmas, and sacrifices.
The festival also delves into the complexities of the individual and society. caer from Teatro Acebuche (Extremadura) is a tragedy that delves into the world of fanaticism and does not fall short of anything for Caligula, exploring nihilism, alienation, corruption, loneliness, and existential gap.
The power of family ties and feelings is manifested in works like Filumena martarrano from Teatro Guate (Andalucía), a comedy that, with the quirkiness of Italian neorealism and the use of humor, shows a mother’s struggle for her children.
Comedy also has its space to address vital changes. This will be seen in Pantone 361 from +Face (Castilla La Mancha), which presents a modern couple witnessing their lives changing radically with the arrival of their child, provoking surreal situations and questions about existence and relationships.
The participation of groups from various autonomous communities such as Madrid, Extremadura, Andalucía, and Castilla La Mancha emphasizes the national character of the festival and the richness of the amateur theater movement throughout the country.
The festival will conclude with a closing gala presented by Emerum Theatrum at Teatro María Luisa, where the excellence of amateur productions will be recognized with the awarding of various prizes, including best group, best direction, best performance, best scene and technical environment, special public award, and best author.
Emilio Muñoz-Torrero, from Emerita Theatrum, emphasizes that the gala will be enjoyed and will have the audience join us in that wonderful space that is Teatro María Luisa; It will be a program in which different scenes will happen, like an introduction, bridges, and the conclusion of the gala, serving as a thread for the presentation and thanks to the different awards: there will be a mix of comedy and tragedy, musical numbers, choreographies, and a certain surprise. «
All the information about the festival is available at Meridaenescena.es
Antonio Vélez, Pepe Martínez, and Emilio Muñoz-Torrero: