The archaeological site where the Lady of Elche was found, a landmark discovered 125 years ago, will host a summer festival from July 12 to 22. The program features eight proposals across two blocks: four evenings of Theater Teaching and four nights of Professional Theatre, showcasing works from Greco-Roman drama to English Elizabethan, and Spanish classics.
The Vice-Chancellor for Culture, Catherine Iliescu, introduced this new edition of the festival this morning. The event operates with a budget of 50,000 euros, presented alongside the director of the University Archaeological Research Foundation, Alexander Ramos, and a member of the Elche Cultural Council, Margaret Antón.
“The site offers an exceptional setting for this festival”, said Iliescu, who shared her expectations. In the 10th edition, around 12,000 spectators visited the event’s residential area. Even in earlier years, attendance reached 1,345 at partial capacity in 2021, and the aim is to reach pre-pandemic figures around 2,500 spectators in 2019.
For Alejandro Ramos, hosting a festival of these characteristics on this site is an honor. Although the Lady of Elche stands as the city’s archaeological flagship, this festival could become the cultural hallmark of the region.
UA organizes a classical theater festival in La Alcudia
The archaeologist highlighted that July is the ideal month to visit the site, with sunset lighting, pleasant temperatures, and a complete experience when paired with dining and theatre.
Ramos described the program as excellent, noting a strong balance that elevates teaching theatre far beyond expectations, while professional theatre showcases an impressive level of quality.
Preparations are underway, including access to facilities, reinforced archaeological structures, and security measures. The Alcudia Festival is supported by a loyal audience, and Elche’s theatre enthusiasts form a robust pool of spectators.
In addition, Marga Antón emphasized that the city itself takes pride in the festival, drawing amateur groups from the Valencian Ensemble while celebrating a program that blends student talent with professional expertise.
Catalina Iliescu added that people are beginning to recognize the festival beyond the province due to its unique setting and location.
The Alcúdia manager, Diego Pena, noted that the festival benefits cultural tourism and attracts visitors from outside the city who attend year after year during the season.
The festival opens on Tuesday, July 12 at 21:30 with a gathering of participants and the staging of the play Trojan Horses. The program includes three additional works in the first block: Romeo + Juliet by the University of Alicante Theater Class on Wednesday, July 13; Flashes of Don Quixote de la Mancha, produced by Miguel Hernández University Theater Company on Thursday, July 14; and Trojan Horses, a winning version from the Greco-Roman Theater Schools Competition 2022, staged by La Nave Argo on Friday, July 15.
The Professional Theater block starts on Tuesday, July 19 with Venetian Merchant and the collaboration of Verbo Producciones along with Dau Al Sec for Entre bobos and game on July 20. A performance by La Libélula Teatro follows, with the festival closing on July 22 after a final act.
Tickets run 5 euros for amateur theatre and 12 euros for professional theatre.
La Alcudia-UA Classical Theater Festival collaborates with the Generalitat Valenciana, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, the Valencian Cultural Institute, the Alicante Provincial Council and Elche City Council.
professional theater
Venetian Merchant – CIA DAU al sec
Tuesday, July 19
Venetian Merchant explores the complex dynamics of economic power and its impact on human relations. It examines usury, wealth, cultural tensions, the vulnerability of strangers, and the misuses of law as a window into the rise of modern capitalism. The production balances Shakespearean irony with a critical lens on society, predicting the emergence of an individualistic, economically driven world. The work debuted February 27, 2019, at Sala Versus Glorias in Barcelona and runs about 90 minutes.
Entre bobos and game – Verbo Producciones
Wednesday, July 20
This brisk comedy celebrates women’s freedom and the right to choose. It follows Don Lucas, who arranges a marriage for his daughter, Doña Isabel. Despite a heavy patriarchal pressure, Isabel refuses marriage and secretly loves Don Pedro. Misunderstandings and schemes unfold, delivering a humorous finale after 90 minutes.
beggars – La Libélula Theater
Thursday, July 21
This co-production with the Dragonfly Theater in Guareña and Mérida’s Classical Theater Festival presents a tale about Danaides and a trek across the sea to Greece as refugees. The piece follows a journey to reclaim dignity and bodies, spanning 90 minutes of dramatic storytelling.
dressing eros – Coribante Productions
Friday, July 22
Five souls confront love across lifetimes, exploring whether love mirrors classic ideals or bursts from modern desire. The performance blends dance, music, comedy and tragedy through flamenco, contemporary movement, and diverse dramatic traditions.
The production, created by Coribante Productions, is led by Antonio Rincón-Cano and José María del Castillo, with music by Alejandro Cruz Benavides and choreography by Benjamín Leiva. The show runs 90 minutes.
Theater Teaching
Trojan Horses – UPA Theater Class
Tuesday, July 12
Begoña leads the Tenés group for the UA Permanent University Theater Class, presenting Euripides’ tragedy in a version by Alberto Conejero. Premiered at the Auditorium on May 31. The work centers on the role of women in war and their resilience. The Trojan women, left as widows and orphans, face a future shaped by loss and endurance. Duration: 75 minutes.
Romeo + Juliet – University of Alicante Theater Class
Wednesday, July 13
This UA Theatre Class production, directed by Xiomara Wanden-Berghe and adapted from Shakespeare, explores a timeless love story set against a backdrop of enmity. The show opened at UA Paraninfo on May 24 and runs about 70 minutes.
The Flashes of Don Quixote de la Mancha – UMH Classical Theater Group
July 14, Thursday
An imaginative staging of Cervantes’ myth, transported to La Mancha by the Elche UMH Theater Company. The adaptation keeps Don Quixote’s spirit alive while offering fresh interpretations. Duration: 70 minutes.
Trojan Horses – Argo Ship
Friday, July 15
The Trojan War narrative is recast to highlight the mothers, sisters, and daughters who suffer in war. La Nave Argo, an American-Greco-Latin troupe founded in 2010, is led by Marién Navarro, Carlos Aragüez and Fernando Nicolás. The production has earned multiple regional and international distinctions and runs about 70 minutes.