This cultural event, taking place in Alcoy, includes five dance shows, two circus acts, one street art performance, and eleven theatre plays, featuring short pieces and three for family audiences. Companies from the Valencian Community, Canary Islands, Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia are participating, offering a diverse program that aims to energize the Valencian performing arts scene.
The festival director, Josep Policarpo, explained that the event enlivens the agenda of professionals, combining long theatre pieces for indoor venues with bodily expressions that move beyond traditional stages to meet the audience. This year, the Mostra has seen its duration and the number of participating shows and professionals reduced due to uncertainty over funding from the Conselleria de Cultura, as announced by Mayor Toni Francés and Culture Councillor Elisa Guillem.
“"We are convinced of the social, cultural, and economic value of this fair. It energizes the Valencian scene, with contracts and synergies among professionals. It also supports theatre, dance, and circus companies and creators who need exhibition spaces for their work. Furthermore, it contributes to audience creation, with an excellent response from residents and visitors. That is why from the Alcoy Culture Department, we were clear that it was essential to save the Mostra, and we have committed to it, despite the disregard from other institutions."
Councillor Elisa Guillem emphasized the commitment of the Alcoy City Council, which has increased its financial contribution to compensate for the lack of support from other institutions and make this edition possible. The program includes works such as Loca by Cienfuegos Danza, Unarys by Cía. Eszer, Liebe by Titoyaya, and the premiere of Carne de bronce by Cristina Reolid, which explores the fusion of contemporary dance with flamenco.
Circus will be present with Play Time by Kanbahiota Troup and Fins al cel by Spinish Circo. Street arts will offer I si fem un clàssic? by Visitants. New this year are short theatre pieces like A qué sonaremos cuando ya no estemos by Vivirei Teatro and NoDiva by Laestal. For family audiences, highlights include Desobedient by Atirohecho, Abocador by Bramant Teatre, and Monstre Rosa by Zum Zum Teatre.
For adult theatre, new Valencian voices are represented by Víctor Sánchez Rodríguez with El aguante and Borja López Collado with Medea (Historia de un ghosting). Patrícia Pardo also participates with Canviarem bolquers segons el BOE. From the national scene, María Velasco, National Drama Literature Award 2024, stands out with Vendrán los alienígenas y tendrán tus ojos, and a stage version of Misery by Saga Producciones.
The proposals will reach eight venues, including unconventional spaces such as the exhibition halls of the IVAM CADA Alcoi, the building's courtyard, or the Plaça de Dins, in addition to the Salesians, Calderón, and Principal theatres. A professional jury will select the winners of the Premis Mostra de Teatre d'Alcoi 2026. Activities will also be held in the Àgora, such as business rounds and presentations of cultural exchange programs, books, and good practice manuals.
