Santo Domingo will host the first-ever International Performing Arts Festival (FESTAE 2026) this coming 15 to 19 May 2026. The event aims to establish a premier regional platform by uniting theater, music, and dance through a high-level program featuring national artists and international guests from Colombia, Argentina, Equatorial Guinea, and France.
The festival’s details were unveiled during a press conference led by festival director and veteran producer Fausto Rojas. Speaking at the Juan Lockward Theater Café within the Eduardo Brito National Theater, Rojas described the initiative as a “transcendental step” for the global projection of the Dominican creative scene.
“Dominican Republic is becoming the cultural heart of the Caribbean, positioning the country as a benchmark destination for the performing arts,” Rojas stated, emphasizing that the project is designed to bolster the “orange economy” and foster artistic exchange.
Events will be staged at the Eduardo Brito National Theater, Palace of Fine Arts, Nuryn Sanlley Amphitheater (Parque Iberoamericano), Rock’n Rolla (basement, Plaza Universitaria – PUCMM at Av. Winston Churchill and Av. Sarasota), Cristo Park in Cristo Rey and at the Centro León in Santiago.
International and academic programming
The inaugural edition features seven major shows, including four international productions. Highlights include:
• France: The Imperial Kikiristan company will present Jumelag, a family-oriented show. In a move to democratize access to high culture, they will offer four free performances between 16 and 17 May across the Nuryn Sanlley Amphitheater, Cristo Park, and Centro León.
• Colombia’s Elemental Teatro will present their version of La Casa de Bernarda Alba
• From Equatorial Guinea, Gorsy Edu will perform El percusionista.
Education is a core pillar of the FESTAE mission. The Aida Bonnelly Hall at the National Theater will host Argentine masters Gabriel Chamé and Mauricio Dayub for didactic talks on “Clown” and “Theatrical Interpretation” on 18 and 19 May, respectively.
Local talent
The Dominican Republic will showcase three award-winning productions, two of which have already achieved international prestige by being selected for the Euro-Latin American Network of Performing Arts (REDELAE) catalog:
“Yago, yo no soy el que soy”: Performed by the National Theater Company (celebrating its 80th anniversary), this play will serve as the festival’s closing act.
“Pinocho”: Presented by Teatro Guloya.
“Reactor Antígona”: A work by Marianela Boán
In a special tribute to local heritage, the festival will dedicate a session titled “Giovanny Cruz and his theatrical beliefs” to honor the life and legacy of the Dominican maestro.
Musical fusion
The festival’s soundtrack will blend jazz, bachata, bolero, and rock at the Juan Lockward Theater Café of the National Theater.
The lineup features:
• 15 May (10pm): Marakandé (Opening Night).
• 16 May (10pm): Auro, Pablo Cavallo, and Lost.
• 17 May (8pm): Rafelito Mirabal and Sistema Temperado.
Tickets for the various performances are currently available through Uepa Tickets, CCN Servicios, Supermercados Nacional, and Jumbo.
Read more in Spanish:
Festae2026 Instagram
El Nacional
Diario Libre
22 April 2026