Independent Theaters in Buenos Aires Navigate Difficult Times
Independent theaters in Buenos Aires are facing a challenging landscape, forcing them to adapt their annual celebration amid financial hardship and a lack of government support.
On November 30, Buenos Aires will commemorate Independent Theater Day, a date established in 1930 with the founding of Teatro del Pueblo. On this day, artisanally-produced theatrical presentations are celebrated, offering a diverse platform for creative expression and cultural exploration. This year, however, the celebration will look different.
The Argentine Association of Independent Theaters (ARTEI) has previously collaborated with the Buenos Aires Ministry of Culture to present free performances throughout November, a tradition that marked Independent Culture Month.
However, in 2023, the status quo shifted. “With the change in management, we presented our proposal to the new Minister of Culture (Gabriela Ricardes). She granted us a meeting in August, after a considerable delay following her take office,” says Gonzalo Pérez, president of ARTEI. “We explained our history of collaboration, the successes and challenges we have faced. At the moment, the Ministry was focused on FIBA and stressful economic realities, and their support remains uncertain.”
This leaves 40 independent theaters, significantly fewer than in previous years, offering discounts, promotional deals, and free performances within their capacity.
Among the theaters participating are familiar names like the Camarín de las Musas, Moscow, the Payró, the Anfitrión, La Máscara, Chacarerean, Patio de Actores, Belisario, El Popular, Abasto Social Club, and El Portón de Sánchez. A complete schedule can be accessed through a link on Theater Alternative website. On Saturday, each participating theater will dedicate a designated time to read a prepared statement advocating for the importance of independent theaters and affordable cultural access.
The message reflects The Argentine Association of Independent Theater’s long-standing commitment to fighting for the right to culture and attractions
“Guaranteeing this right ensures a path towards a society that fosters human development, encouraging social inclusion, preserving identity and diversity,” they state, adding, “We believe in what we do. Thousands of people work in our spaces, several hundred performances occur each month, reaching thousands of viewers.”
They continue, “it is the state, at all levels, that must guarantee this right, a right promoted and supported by our laws, enshrined in our National Constitution and international treaties.”
With this defense of cultural access wrapped into a written manifesto, the theaters refuse to be silenced:
“Defense of publicly funded cultural development in the face of constant attacks and defunding is paramount. Profitability should not be the metric for artistic merit.
Lets not forget that independent theater is a non-profit activity. We will continue fighting for the right to culture in each neighborhood thanks to our spaces willing and accessible.”
For Pérez, this is not necessarily a difficult moment but rather a “complicated one.”
This year, the economic reality has not been absent from the difficult decisions. “We haven’t experienced mass shutdowns of independent theaters in our association. Still, rent and services have placed a heavy hand on budgets. There seems to be an impending, throbbing uncertainty— . Month after month, we measure how long we can continue,”
This precariousness alters performances.
” “It’s a cultural militancy. Many venues are struggling,” he emphasizes. “For many of us, it’s a cultural militancy. Independent theater, though non-profit, isn’t income free.
Independent theaters across Buenos Aires find themselves at a crucial juncture, needing
What is the Argentine Association of Independent Theaters (ARTEI) doing to ensure the continuation of theater despite these challenges?
## Buenos Aires’ Independent Theaters Face Uncertain Future
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a pressing issue facing the cultural landscape of Buenos Aires: the challenges confronting independent theaters in the city. Joining us today is Gonzalo Pérez, President of the Argentine Association of Independent Theaters, or ARTEI. Gonzalo, thanks for being here.
**Gonzalo Pérez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** So, Independent Theater Day is fast approaching on November 30th, a celebration of innovative and diverse theatrical productions. This year, however, the festivities seem to be taking a different tone.
**Gonzalo Pérez:** Absolutely. This year, we’re facing a very challenging situation. For many years, ARTEI collaborated with the Buenos Aires Ministry of Culture to present free performances throughout November. This was a beautiful tradition that made theater accessible to everyone. Sadly, due to financial hardship and a lack of clear government support, [1] this tradition is in jeopardy.
**Host:** That’s concerning news. Can you elaborate on the difficulties ARTEI is facing?
**Gonzalo Pérez:** The new Minister of Culture, Gabriela Ricardes, has yet to confirm her support for our initiatives. We met with her in August, after some delays, and presented our case, but at the moment, the ministry seems focused on other priorities. This uncertainty leaves independent theaters in a precarious position.
**Host:** I understand there are still diverse theatrical offerings planned for Independent Theater Day.
**Gonzalo Pérez:** Absolutely! We’re incredibly resilient and determined to keep theater alive. Though fewer theaters are participating this year, about 40, many are offering discounts, promotional deals, and free performances to ensure accessibility for everyone. [1]
**Host:** What message do you want to send to the city and the government on this important day?
**Gonzalo Pérez:** Independent theaters are the heartbeat of Buenos Aires’ cultural scene. We provide a platform for unique voices and perspectives, fostering creativity and dialog. We urge the government to recognize our importance and invest in our future so that generations to come can experience the magic of independent theater.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Gonzalo. We wish you and all the independent theaters a successful Independent Theater Day.
**Gonzalo Pérez:** Thank you for your support. **
