The 46th edition of the Almagro International Classical Theater Festival opens this Thursday with a ceremony that honors Blanca Portillo with the XXIII Corral de Comedias Award. Portillo, a renowned actor, producer, and director, joins a list of recipients who have shaped contemporary theatre. She has often described her career as a journey she never expected to reach such a high form of recognition from a festival she has visited many times for both pleasure and work.
The recognition was publicly accepted by Portillo at a press conference held on the same afternoon, just hours before the award ceremony. She expressed heartfelt thanks and noted the emotional significance of this moment, suggesting that it foretells a night filled with anticipation and genuine emotion.
Portillo recalled receiving a call from the festival director, Irene Pardo, to announce the news. She said the moment felt openly surprising and almost unreal, given how many years she has spent at Almagro contributing to its vitality. The celebration will also honor the collaborative spirit she has shared with colleagues and friends over the years.
In reflecting on her long career, Portillo highlighted the influence of mentors who opened doors early on. She especially remembered Pepe Estruch, who introduced her to the classical repertoire at the Royal School of Dramatic Arts and Dance, helping her navigate the world of traditional performance while pursuing contemporary relevance.
Yet Portillo emphasized that the award is not just about her. It stands for all the people who have accompanied and supported her professional and personal journey through the arts. Almagro, for Portillo, has always been synonymous with joy—a place where performances are infused with energy and where artists feed off a contagious enthusiasm.
She also spoke of her fond memories of Almagro, noting that the festival’s pinnacle moment this year is the Corral de Comedias Award ceremony. Irene Pardo, who leads the Almagro Classical Theater Festival, underscored the privilege of recognizing Portillo with such a prestigious honor. Pardo praised Portillo’s audacity in portraying male characters who are, in today’s context, especially remarkable and resonant.
Increasing effort to improve culture
When reporters asked about the level of political support for the arts in Spain, Portillo offered a candid assessment. She suggested that culture is often highlighted during election campaigns but not sustained afterward, lamenting how few voices advocate for cultural promotion once campaigns end.
As the country moves toward a general election, Portillo admitted she feels a degree of apprehension about the potential impact of new political parties on the cultural sector. She warned that shifts in government can alter long-established arts ecosystems, and she fears that hard-won progress could be undermined quickly if policy directions change abruptly. The sentiment reflects a broader concern about maintaining consistent cultural investment and institutional support in times of political change. Portillo’s remarks emphasize a hope that cultural institutions continue to flourish beyond electoral cycles and that artistry remains prioritized as part of civic life.
Overall, Portillo framed the Almagro festival as a beacon of creative vitality, a place where the exchange between tradition and innovation sustains a living arts culture. The upcoming ceremony is seen as both a celebration of individual achievement and a reminder of the collective effort that fuels the performing arts in Spain and beyond. The festival community remains committed to expanding access to culture and to fostering environments where actors, directors, designers, and technicians can push boundaries without losing sight of the classics that first inspired them. The event continues to be documented with attribution to the festival’s organizers and participants who contribute to this ongoing cultural conversation.