From 2–11 October, CASA Latin American Theatre Festival returns to the Barbican and Rich Mix for another world-class programme, with this year’s politically-charged line-up including a special Mexican focus as part of the 2015 Year of UK-Mexico. Originally inspired by Buenos Aires’ Casas de la Cultura – literally homes converted to makeshift arts centres – CASA has a loyal following after 9 years presenting over 40 international works, and this year expects to welcome over 3,000 visitors into its unique, celebratory world.
This year marks the festival’s first regional focus, with five Mexican UK premieres. Exploring themes of environmental change, love, sex and politics, the shows delve deep into the heart of the nation.
The Barbican’s Pit Theatre hosts Los Guggenheim’s The Love of the Fireflies (El amor de las luciérnagas), a surreal romantic comedy from leading playwright Alejandro Ricaño; and Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol’s I’ll Melt the Snow Off a Volcano with a Match (Derriteré con un cerillo la nieve de un volcán), an account of the decades of corruption, intimidation and violence sustaining Mexico’s governing party, PRI.
The Rich Mix programme includes Border Mass (Misa Fronteriza) by Gorguz Teatro and Universiteatro, a ritualistic musical set on the Mexican-US border, direct from an acclaimed run at Mexico’s National Theatre Festival; Colectivo Alebrije’s Apart (Aparte), following a young generation’s journey under the skin of their past to find hope for the future; and Montserrat, an autobiographical thriller by celebrated artist Gabino Rodriguez investigating his mother’s mysterious death from Mexico to Costa Rica via London.
Also on sale is the return of the Nuestra CASA Scratch Night, now firmly established as a powerhouse of new Latin American work in the UK. Recent winners have included Fringe First Award-winner Juana in a Million and last year’s Three Weeks Editor’s Award winner Manuelita, with five new companies competing this year.
Further international premieres are still to be announced alongside artist master classes and community events. And always as much a party as a theatre festival, the full programme will also include CASA’s legendary line-up of food, drink, live music and dancing.
When: 2 – 11 October
Where: Barbican and Rich Mix
Entrance: From £12
Info: www.casafestival.org.uk
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