A scene unfolds in the Main Theater of Alicante as the verbal narrator Michele Nguyen guides the moment, while a troupe of audience members participates on stage alongside a developing narrative. The backdrop captures stories that come alive behind the curtains, a new cycle shaping how the Alicante Theater engages the public and empowers storytellers.
The inaugural program of this cycle occurred yesterday, with activities designed for both students and the broader community. In the morning, participants included students from the artistic track of IES Miguel Hernández, and in the afternoon, the doors opened to the general public, inviting everyone to witness the storytelling process firsthand [Attribution: Alicante Theater press release].
Michele Nguyen presented a piece titled VY, revealing a childhood shaped by his grandmother’s intense presence. The performer spoke about moments of awkwardness, the craving for quiet, a deep love for words, and a secret affection that would guide him toward his roots and inner peace. A puppet joined the stage to help convey the personal narrative and add a tangible companion to the tale.
The cycle’s second offering is scheduled for October 3, featuring artist Felix Albo with First Kiss and yayerias, followed by November 13 with Victoria Gullón presenting The Life of a Song. The program maintains a rhythm of intimate storytelling paired with performances that resonate across ages and communities, including audiences in Canada and the United States who follow contemporary recital art and oral narrative traditions [Attribution: Alicante Theater press release].
January will feature two sessions per day. On the 22nd, Quico Cadaval will present Cows, Wars, Pigs and Priests, and on the 29th, Almudena French will stage two pieces: Carmela’s House and Batista’s Three Dead. With these offerings, the first edition of the oral narrative cycle concludes, leaving room for future editions that broaden access and celebrate spoken word as a living art form.
Stories behind the scenes runs two daily sessions: at 11 for training centers (5 euros) and again at 20:30 for the general public (12 euros). The schedule emphasizes inclusive participation and opportunities for diverse audiences to engage with live narration, a trend that resonates with readers and viewers across North America who value cultural exchange and creative outreach [Attribution: Alicante Theater press release].