The 9th International Theater Festival: A Celebration of Women’s Voices and Laughs!
By Your Humble Observational Comedian
Ah, dear audience, gather round! Like a jester with a court of noble lords, I bring to you the grand news of the 9th International Theater Festival Mujeres sobre las Tablas, or as I like to call it, “Women on Stage and Men Trying to Keep Up!” This festival kicks off from November 19 to 30—yes, that’s right! Ten whole days of drama, fun, and a dash of existential reflection. Because who doesn’t love contemplating the meaning of life while trying not to spill their drink?
Set in the majestic Ravelo Room of the National Theater, along with several other venues, this festival is headed by the dynamic Elizabeth Ovalle. You know, the kind of director that makes you believe Shakespeare would put down his quill and go, “Well, that’s just brilliant!” But wait, don’t be fooled—Lina Weber, a specialist in family violence, and Deisy Williams are also bringing their expertise into the mix. I mean, if theater can address serious issues while ensuring we’re laughing, count me in! After all, it’s not all sad-faced tragedy we’re serving here; we’re talking about family entertainment that gets you thinking. Which is great if you’ve been pondering why your cat seems to be plotting against you.
This festival isn’t just a spotlight for women; it’s a stage for everyone! Yes, men can join in, but let’s face it—where’s the fun in that? Let’s celebrate the creativity of women, shall we? They’re not just appearing in the audience; they’re leading the charge with their incredible talent. That’s right, folks! They’re directing, acting, writing, and probably putting together the snacks during the intermission! Raise your hand if you’ve ever attempted to stage an impressive work of theater while prepping cheese sandwiches. No? Just me? I digress.
The festival promises engaging workshops and discussions about gender violence, dramaturgy, and more. And the best part? They’re free! That’s right! Free knowledge! It’s like finding out you’ve won the lottery, except you get to learn how to act instead of just basking in the glow of giant checks and confetti. Workshops will be held everywhere, from universities to the Ravelo Room, saving you a trip to guess, “What should we talk about for the next three hours?”
This year’s festival includes a delightful global lineup including Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, Argentina, and of course, the proud Dominican Republic! With 12 theater groups and over 30 performances, there’s no shortage of entertainment. A smorgasbord of theatrics if you will, where each act is designed to tickle your funny bone while also making you reflect deeply about life. Because if you can’t laugh at your problems, what are you even doing?
The festival kicks off with the pre-show Heroínas de la historia from Teatro Absolute, and trust me, if you think it’s all classics and drama, wait until you experience Julieta Virtual from Mexico. They’re even bringing Surviving Medea, as if an existential crisis in the original wasn’t enough! And speaking of a roller-coaster of emotions, check out Divorciada, ¿Y qué?—because nothing says “family entertainment” quite like an exploration of divorce, am I right?
For those dying to know more, you can reach them through WhatsApp at 809.5197203 or slide into their E-mail at [email protected]. Or even better, visit their website: www.absolutoteatro.com. There, you can plan your schedule and figure out which performances will be best served with snacks and supportive laughter!
So there you have it, folks! It’s a festival that combines laughter, reflection, and a brilliant showcase of women’s talent in the arts. If the thought of amazing performances, engaging tales, and high-quality entertainment doesn’t excite you, then I must ask—what are you doing? Come on, let’s support the arts, give a standing ovation to creativity, and perhaps laugh a little as we grapple with the realities of life together!
By Moises Balbuena
Santo Domingo.- The 9th International Theater Festival Mujeres sobre las Tablas, FITMUT/RD, 2024, is poised to captivate audiences from November 19 to 30. This vibrant festival will take place in the esteemed Ravelo Room of the National Theater, the Absolute Theater Room, and various important theaters across the country. The event is spearheaded by acclaimed playwright, actress, and theater director, Elizabeth Ovalle, with expert production oversight from Lina Weber, a psychologist specializing in family violence. Deisy Williams joins the team as the coordination assistant, ensuring seamless operations throughout the festival.
The festival is strategically scheduled to coincide with the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, taking place on November 25. Its main objectives are twofold: to inspire the presentation of theatrical works that address the prevention of gender violence, and to shine a spotlight on the impressive body of work created by women. This initiative seeks to champion the dramatic, technical, editorial, production, and performance talents that women bring to the stage. Importantly, these theatrical pieces are crafted not to invoke sorrow but to offer enjoyment for audiences of all ages.
Globally, women are emerging as pivotal creators in the arts, utilizing their talents to amplify critical conversations about their experiences. While the festival predominantly celebrates female contributions to theater, it is inclusive and encourages male participation, fostering a collaborative environment rather than one of competition. The primary focus remains on elevating and showcasing the contributions of women in the theatrical realm.
This year’s festival will deliver a series of enriching workshops, discussions, and forums that delve into topics such as gender violence, dramaturgy, and the intricacies of performing arts. These engaging sessions will be offered free of charge across educational centers, universities, and primary theater venues nationwide, including the Ravelo Room and Sala Absoluto Theater, emphasizing accessibility for all participants.
This year, the festival proudly hosts participants from several countries, including Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic. Attendees can look forward to performances by 12 theater groups, showcasing over 30 stage presentations designed for the delight of the public. The programming promises high-quality content that balances entertainment with opportunities for reflection, allowing audiences to both laugh and ponder significant themes.
The festival will kick off with a pre-opening featuring the Dominican Republic’s own production, Heroínas de la historia, directed and produced by Elizabeth Ovalle. The official opening night will spotlight the play Julieta Virtual from Mexico, featuring the talents of Marihana Záratre. Following this, audiences will be treated to The Survivor, a compelling work from Cuba starring Maireliys Flores; and Story of a Woman from Argentina, expertly directed and produced by Luciana Giordano. The lineup also includes Entre Mujeres, performed by Lidia Ariza and Montessori Venura, under the direction of Germana Quintana, hailing from the Dominican Republic.
Other significant works include Surviving Medea, a powerful piece from El Salvador created by Jorgelina Cerritos, featuring her contributions as actor, director, and playwright. The festival also showcases Babka and the Journey to the Little Book, a family-friendly production from Argentina. Additionally, productions such as Divorciada, ¿Y qué?, La pulpería, A la Espera, and Psicosis 4.48 from the Dominican Republic will enrich the festival’s diverse program.
For further information, please reach out via WhatsApp at 809.5197203 or 809.7297303, or contact the office at 809-638-8534. You can also email [email protected] or visit the social media pages of Fundación Absoluto Teatro. For more details, check out the website at www.absolutoteatro.com.
What types of performances can audiences expect to see at the 9th International Theater Festival celebrating women in theatre?
**Interview: Celebrating Women in Theatre at the 9th International Theater Festival**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Elizabeth Ovalle! As the director of the 9th International Theater Festival **Mujeres sobre las Tablas**, we are thrilled to have you here to discuss this exciting event. Can you tell us what makes this festival unique?
**Elizabeth Ovalle:** Thank you for having me! The festival is a vibrant celebration of women’s voices in theater. It’s not just about showcasing talent but also addressing significant social issues such as gender violence. We want to inspire thought and dialogue while ensuring everyone leaves with a smile!
**Interviewer:** The festival runs from November 19 to 30. What can attendees expect in terms of performances and workshops?
**Elizabeth Ovalle:** Attendees can look forward to a broad array of performances from various countries, including Mexico, Cuba, and Argentina. From engaging dramas to comedies like **Divorciada, ¿Y qué?**, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, we have free workshops on important topics like dramaturgy and family violence, making art accessible to all.
**Interviewer:** It’s impressive that the festival aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. How does this connection shape the festival’s mission?
**Elizabeth Ovalle:** It’s essential for us. We want to leverage the arts to advocate for change and raise awareness about gender violence. By presenting theatrical works that highlight these issues, we aim to educate and inspire action, all while providing entertaining performances.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that this festival fosters female creativity and leadership. How do you see men’s roles within this festival?
**Elizabeth Ovalle:** Men are absolutely welcome to participate! While the focus is on women’s contributions, we believe in creating a collaborative environment that encourages everyone to contribute. After all, theater thrives on diverse voices and perspectives!
**Interviewer:** Lastly, where can people find more information to plan their visit?
**Elizabeth Ovalle:** They can visit our website at [www.absolutoteatro.com](http://www.absolutoteatro.com) for the full schedule and updates. We also have WhatsApp and email contacts available for any inquiries. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the power of women on stage!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Elizabeth! We can’t wait for the festival to begin. It sounds like an impactful and entertaining event for all.
**Elizabeth Ovalle:** Thank you! It’s going to be a memorable experience, so bring your laughter and open minds!