The University of Alicante unveils Paranymph 2024, a dynamic performing arts program running from February through June. The lineup spans theatre, music, and dance, featuring nine theatre performances, the UA Theater Class’s traditional premieres, five concerts led by Queralt Lahoz and Pipiolas, and a dance presentation. The initiative is guided by the Vice-Ch Chancellor for Culture, Sport and University Publishing, working in collaboration with Pepa Cases and Catherine Iliescu to bring a broad spectrum of stage arts to campus audiences and beyond.
Theatre
The theatre program opens on February 14 with a staging of A Study by the Avila company, exploring the tension between ethical values and vanity within the Perigallo Theater repertoire. Morning shows for high school groups will include In an Hour, marking the 80th anniversary of the Alicante Central Market bombing, performed by TEADA. A subsequent black comedy, PLA, written by Ignasi Vidal, stars Diego Braguinsky, Jordi Ballester, and Àngel Figols. On February 28 and April 17, audiences will be treated to We are not premiering today, a fresh, playful take on improvisation from L’Om Imprebís. Also included is the theatre-clown performance Guillem Alba, marabunta, performed at Paraninfo. A family-friendly show, Julia’s Bambolla, will be staged on March 20 with pedagogical elements from MaQuintant Theater, offering a thoughtful look at tyranny and education.
The UA Theater Class premieres will conclude the theatre season with a trio of productions: The history of communism told by mental malts, scheduled for May 16 (address by Paco Sanguino); Migraaaafore, a title that questions borders and belonging; and Lysistrata Occupy the Acropolis, directed by Paco Sanguino, set for June 12. The UA Theater Workshop, steered by Begoña Tenés, is responsible for the May offering, with the other performances forming a dynamic capstone to the program.
women day
Iliescu explains that Paranymph 2024 also integrates two performances tied to International Women’s Day and the 8M commemorations. Kiss Me 2.0 is a dance theater piece by Castellón artist and activist Pepa Cases, presented on March 5 as a morning show for IES students, followed by a listening-and-performance event in Andalusia in an intimate acoustic format that highlights the moment’s musical excitement. Queralt Lahoz presents the Everything Turned Blue tour as part of a broader journey through the program, with a stop on March 6 at UA’s venue to engage audiences directly with her live music and storytelling.
The music segment continues with Pipiolas, a rising act in contemporary Spanish pop, performing on March 21. The Circuit Sonora showcases a double bill featuring JazzWoman and Funkiwis on March 13, highlighting the evolving Valencian music scene. A traditional schools concert, History of Rock, appears on April 30, followed by the UA Choir Spring Concert on May 8, closing the musical offerings in style.
exhibitions
The performing arts program is complemented by a robust exhibition calendar. Visitors can explore the Many Stories exhibitions at the Alicante University Museum (MUA) through July 31, and Mare Lucidum: Prose and Poetry from the Mediterranean’s Outer Edges. Melek Fitor offers a Mediterranean-focused exploration, Through the Artistic Research Residency, and the Arcadi Blasco Space hosts Daniel Escolano’s works and the Alcudia Room’s collection. A new cycle begins with Call for Plastic Arts: Mulier, Mulieris, opening February 23, 2024, and an Archaeology Museum exhibition on women, slated to begin in March on a date to be determined.
tickets
Ticket sales are currently open through the UA ticketing system. For purchase details, see the official UA box office page. [citation]