The Diputación de Ciudad Real hosted the closing gala of the 35th Provincial Theatre Showcase in Miguelturra, where awards were presented to participating companies and artists across various categories. The event marked the culmination of a programme that took place in September and October across several towns, including Villanueva de los Infantes, Socuéllamos, and Calzada de Calatrava.
Adrián Fernández Herguido, the vice president of the provincial institution and head of the Finance and Internal Organisation Area, attended the gala, which was organised in collaboration with the Miguelturra Town Hall. The highlight of the evening was the performance of 'La llegada del fuego' by La Cantera Producciones S. L. from Piedrabuena, which won the award for best professional theatre production.
Fernández Herguido congratulated all the companies, performers, and professionals involved in the showcase, emphasising the diverse range of theatrical expressions presented, including amateur theatre, monologues, and storytelling. He underscored the significance of these artistic forms in enhancing the cultural landscape of the province.
He extended special congratulations to La Cantera Producciones for their recognition with 'La llegada del fuego', which served as the closing performance of the showcase. He noted that theatrical activities foster connections among people from different towns and stimulate local hospitality and commerce, highlighting the broader impact of cultural events on community life.
Mayor of Miguelturra, Luis Ramón Mohíno, expressed his satisfaction with the town's selection to host the gala and award ceremony. He thanked the Diputación de Ciudad Real for bringing the event to Miguelturra and acknowledged the efforts of the municipal Culture Department in organising what he described as a significant cultural event.
Mohíno pointed out that such gatherings provide visibility for amateur theatre and allow companies to showcase their work to diverse audiences. He also highlighted Miguelturra's cultural heritage and the interest generated by the performance of 'La llegada del fuego'. He noted the positive effects of cultural activities on local life, including audience attendance and their relationship with hospitality and commerce.
The 35th Provincial Theatre Showcase recognised various forms of theatrical expression, including amateur theatre, storytelling, monologues, and professional theatre. Awards were given for individual achievements in acting, directing, and technical aspects of the productions.
In the amateur theatre category, the first prize for best production, named after José María Arcos, was awarded to 'Pasión por Carmen' by the Carpe Diem Teatro association. This award includes a plaque and three performances in 2027. The second prize went to 'La moza de cántaro' by Citra Teatro, while the third prize was awarded to 'Un enemigo del pueblo' by the Asociación Cultural and Grupo de Teatro ItaIe-La Teatrería, both receiving plaques and two performances next year.
Four honourable mentions were given to 'El juego' by the Asociación Teatral Crea Escena, 'El juego de Gilmour' by Baku Teatro, 'Imagínate tú' by the Asociación Expressarte, and 'Mono' by Aspaviento Teatro, each receiving a plaque and a performance in 2027.
Individual awards recognised theatrical talent, with Víctor Sevilla from the Asociación Teatral Crea Escena winning for best script creation for 'El juego'. Leopoldo García-Motos Martínez from ItaIe-La Teatrería was named best leading actor for his role in 'Un enemigo del pueblo', while Lola Blanco from Carpe Diem Teatro received the award for best leading actress for her performance in 'Pasión por Carmen'.
Emerging talents Alberto Sánchez-Migallón Ochoa and Cristina Carrasco were recognised as best newcomers for their roles in 'El juego' and 'La moza de cántaro', respectively. The best direction award went to Alberto Palacios from Citra Teatro for 'La moza de cántaro'. Technical awards were given to Isabel Cañas for costume design in 'La moza de cántaro' and to 'Pasión por Carmen' for its set design.
In the storytelling category, the first prize was awarded to 'La golondrina' by the Asociación Cultural Cheritrones, with the second and third prizes going to 'El maravilloso universo' by Aníbal F. Laespada and 'Brujas elementales' by Ana Belén Rabadán Rueda, respectively.
Notably, this year's monologue category saw the first ex aequo award given to all three participating entries: Franz Gómez Arte Escénico for 'Peter sin pan', Flor de María Canales Bastidas for 'Desde mi oscuridad', and Juan Antonio Fernández Villén for 'Andura', each receiving a plaque and two performances in 2027.
The gala concluded the 35th Provincial Theatre Showcase, which brought together a variety of theatrical proposals and featured the participation of numerous companies and professionals across different modalities.
