The first edition of the International Performing Arts Festival (FESTAE 2026) is set to officially launch this Friday, 15 May 2026, transforming Santo Domingo into the cultural epicenter of the Caribbean. The event will integrate theater, music, dance, and academic workshops, aiming to bridge the gap between local talent and the global stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Produced and directed by the award-winning actor and producer Fausto Rojas, FESTAE 2026 will bring together artistic proposals from Argentina, France, Colombia, and Equatorial Guinea, alongside premier Dominican productions. Rojas, who previously served as the director of the National Theater Company, emphasized during a press conference that this project serves as a vital platform for the growth of the Dominican Republic\u2019s creative industry and its positioning within the international performing arts circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over five days (15\u201319 May), the event presents seven major shows, including four international productions and three national stagings. The venues include the Eduardo Brito National Theater, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Nuryn Sanlley Amphitheater, Cristo Park, Rock\u2019n Rolla in the capital city and the Centro Le\u00f3n in Santiago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening day schedule: 15 May 2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inaugural day features a diverse lineup across several high-profile venues:
\u20222:30pm: The educational component begins at the Sala Carmen Heredia of the National Theater with the workshop \u201cThe Tragic Pleasure of the Clown,\u201d led by the internationally acclaimed Argentine master Gabriel Cham\u00e9 Buend\u00eda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u20225pm: The festival moves to the recently inaugurated Cristo Park for a family-oriented performance of \u201cJumelag\u201d by the French company Imperial Kikiristan. This performance is part of a series of four free shows designed to decentralize cultural access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u20228:30pm: The evening\u2019s main stage event takes place at the Sala Carlos Piantini of the Eduardo Brito National Theater with a contemporary adaptation of Federico Garc\u00eda Lorca\u2019s \u201cThe House of Bernarda Alba\u201d (La Casa de Bernarda Alba), performed by Colombia\u2019s Elemental Teatro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 10pm: The first day concludes with a concert by David Almengod and Marakand\u00e9 at the Juan Lockward Theater Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over five days (15\u201319 May), the international roster features:
\u2022 \u201cEl equilibrista\u201d (Argentina)
\u2022 \u201cJumelag\u201d (France)
\u2022 \u201cLa Casa de Bernarda Alba\u201d (Colombia)
\u2022 \u201cEl percusionista\u201d (Equatorial Guinea), a piece by Gorsy Edu that combines dance and orality and has been performed in over 11 countries across three continents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dominican selection highlights the country’s top-tier creative exports. Notably, \u201cYago, yo no soy el que soy\u201d (National Theater Company) and \u201cPinocho\u201d (Teatro Guloya) were selected for the prestigious Red Eurolatinoamericana de Artes Esc\u00e9nicas (REDELAE) catalog. The dance program is headlined by \u201cReactor Ant\u00edgona,\u201d a contemporary reinterpretation by legendary choreographer Marianela Bo\u00e1n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Economic and cultural impact
Beyond the artistic showcase, FESTAE 2026 is designed to stimulate the local “orange economy” (creative economy) and promote cultural tourism. By partnering with Banco Popular Dominicano, the French Embassy, the Mayor\u2019s Office of the National District (ADN), and X-102, the festival seeks to establish a sustainable model for recurring international events in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logistics and tickets
Tickets are available through Uepa Tickets, CCN Servicios, Supermercados Nacional, Jumbo, and the National Theater box office. Prices are tiered to ensure accessibility for different demographics, consistent with the festival’s mission of cultural inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more: 13 May 2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The first edition of the International Performing Arts Festival (FESTAE 2026) is set to officially launch this Friday, 15 May 2026, transforming Santo Domingo into the cultural epicenter of the Caribbean. The event will integrate theater, music, dance, and academic workshops, aiming to bridge the gap between local talent and the global stage. Produced and … <\/p>\n
DR1 News <\/a>
El Dia <\/a>
Uepa Tickets <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n