Izquierda Unida (IU) in Castilla y León has expressed its support for the theatre company Proyecto 43-2 after the cancellation of their play titled Federico. No hay olvido, ni sueño: carne viva. The performance was scheduled for 24 October at the Miguel Delibes Cultural Centre, which is operated by the regional government.
The party has raised concerns about a potential case of ideological censorship and has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cancellation. IU argues that it is essential to clarify what transpired and to obtain explanations from the regional administration.
“Culture must not be subject to the ideological control of any government. Public administrations must guarantee freedom of expression, artistic creation, and access to a diverse cultural programme,”
Serrano, who is also a candidate for the Senate with the Frente Amplio coalition, highlighted the significance of the cancelled play, which addresses the life and assassination of the renowned poet Federico García Lorca and the repression during the Franco regime.
IU contends that the supposed ideological neutrality of institutions should not limit artistic freedom or justify the exclusion of cultural proposals that examine the Franco dictatorship and its repercussions. The party insists that institutional neutrality must ensure pluralism and the exercise of rights, rather than serve as a tool to silence certain voices.
The organisation has called on the Junta de Castilla y León to publicly disclose all information related to the cancellation and to provide the relevant documentation. It also demands that decisions regarding cultural programming adhere to transparent and objective criteria, free from partisan considerations.
Furthermore, IU seeks assurances that Proyecto 43-2 will not face reprisals for defending its rights and for its decision to approach the prosecutor's office. The party extends its solidarity to the workers of the company and underscores the vital role of independent companies in the cultural landscape of Castilla y León, despite the financial and contractual challenges they face.
“There is no full democracy without cultural freedom,”
Izquierda Unida reaffirms its commitment to accessible, critical, and plural culture, linked to democratic values and the exercise of public freedoms. The organisation insists that the Junta must act transparently, clarify the situation, and implement necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
