A forward-looking stage program marks the opening of Arniches Theatre, operating from October through June to bring diversity, inclusion, excitement, and joy to audiences with the most relevant performances on the national stage.
The programme offers a vibrant mix of dance, music, and theatre. This season at Arniches Theatre begins with plans for the last quarter of 2022—October, November, and December—bringing a range of cultural options to audiences in Alicante. The aim is to evoke memories that shape individual identities while staying inclusive, offering productions that address meaningful, at times challenging themes such as Asperger’s syndrome or cerebral palsy, inviting audiences to look at difficult realities from new angles, as explained by Alicia Garijo, regional delegate of the IVC.
Teatre Arniches maintains its dialogue with LGTBI+ groups and collaborates with MOVA to bring the revival of collaborative projects in spring 2023. The season also features the Spanish Contemporary Writers Theater project, marking its XXX edition from November 4 to 12. The Arniches calendar will also welcome Circarte, Festiteres, Abril en Danza, and the University of Alicante into classrooms and community programs.
accessible culture
The Institut Valencià de Cultura remains committed to delivering a world-class program at competitive prices, along with promotions that enhance accessibility. Arniches offers three subscription options: a full 11-show package at 99 euros; a Youth Subscription for ages up to 30 with 11 shows at 33 euros; and a per-visit subscription that lets patrons choose 5 shows for 60 euros. The Institut Valencià de Cultura extends these offerings across Alicante, with a 5×4 deal on Som Menuts programming across venues.
Across all IVC venues in Alicante, programs such as Som Menuts are highlighted as a way to bring culture to families and new audiences.
What to see in October
For the season’s opening quarter, the IVC brings one of Spain’s most prestigious companies to Arniches, with a 20:30 premiere of La Guindalera opening the 2022-2023 cycle. In addition, the Som Menuts family-friendly dance series kicks off with a show titled Honeys are a free thing. Over the coming months, notable guests include La Canica Puppet Theater with Chinchulina and the Chinese Nightingale, and Sol y Tierra, who offer a fresh interpretation of the classic El Fountaine by Lope de Vega.
On October 20, Valencian talent Patricia Pardo presents Madonna, a show blending circus elements with contemporary theatre. October 22 sees the arrival of Disgusting, Lydia Cacho’s stage work based on her biography, featuring the journalist and activist who has challenged criminal networks and political corruption. On October 28, Vanesa Aibar and Enric Monfort present Metal Queen, a dynamic collaboration merging flamenco, percussion, and dance. The month closes with an international highlight from Argentina, Nelson Brave’s I Just Called to Say I Love You, a comedy that has earned strong reviews in Buenos Aires and Barcelona.
In cinema, the first quarter of the season continues with regular Thursday sessions at the Filmoteca, with eight films planned from October to December, including a Chaplin retrospective.
November bets in the theater
From November 4 to 12, Arniches hosts a major event for the Spanish Show of Contemporary Writers. Seven venues host performances, with two IVC productions of particular note: Danes and Pau. On November 18, Arniches presents Conquerors, a witty cultural project exploring the conquest era, scheduled for 20:30. Later, VI Nit del Valencian circus kicks off the late November slate, with the Hongaresa Company opening the program, and December bringing The Last Tarzan by Paco Zarzoso.
Theater and dance in December
December features Israel Elejalde and Irene Escolar in Finland, a collaboration by the Teatro de la Abadía and Kamikaze Producciones. Marta Alonso Tejada appears on December 16 in Dance Agora, a contemporary piece recognized by several awards, including the Revelation Galicia 2021 and the 37th Ribadavia International Theater Show 2021 Audience Award. The Alicante community will also enjoy contemporary opera in Arniches on December 18 with Antiromantic Manifesto, a project born from the union of cinematographic creator Pau Berga and musician Joan Palomares, blending music, performance, and audiovisual arts.
During the Christmas season, December 26–28, the program presents Nadal to l’Arniches, offering shows for both children and adults. Classic Dickens tales are adapted into entertaining contemporary musical and puppet pieces, followed by a bold finale. Arniches will also host a visually striking magic show praised for its whimsy and humor, without spoken word. The venue concludes the year with fresh performances and immersive experiences.
Where is Teatre Arniches?
Check out Teatre Arniches’ full schedule here.