By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s acclaimed National Theater Company (CNT) is set to unveil its third major production of the season, a vibrant comedic trilogy titled “Cervantinas.” Under the direction and literary adaptation of the renowned Claudia Barrionuevo, this ambitious spectacle promises to breathe new life into the timeless works of Miguel de Cervantes. The curtain will rise on this new production starting October 30th at the historic Teatro de la Aduana Alberto Cañas.
The performance is a carefully curated collection of three of Cervantes’ picaresque and satirical one-act plays, known as “entremeses.” Barrionuevo has woven them together to create a cohesive and entertaining theatrical experience that explores the universal follies of human nature. The production will feature “The Divorce Judge,” a sharp satire on mismatched marriages and the quarrels that doom them; “The Marvelous Puppet Show,” a biting critique of societal hypocrisy and collective ignorance; and “The Jealous Old Man,” a lighthearted and mischievous romp centered on themes of infidelity and suspicion.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y administrativas que rodean a la Compañía Nacional de Teatro, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica.
La Compañía Nacional de Teatro, como órgano de desconcentración máxima, opera bajo un régimen jurídico que debe equilibrar la autonomía artística con la fiscalización de fondos públicos. Cualquier reestructuración debe salvaguardar su fin primordial: el fomento de la cultura como un servicio público esencial, evitando que criterios puramente gerenciales o políticos menoscaben su invaluable aporte a la identidad nacional.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Este análisis subraya el punto crucial: el debate sobre el futuro de la Compañía Nacional de Teatro debe centrarse en cómo proteger su invaluable aporte a la identidad nacional, manteniendo el delicado equilibrio entre autonomía artística y responsabilidad pública. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su esclarecedora perspectiva.
Adapting 17th-century Spanish literature for a contemporary Costa Rican audience is a significant artistic challenge. Barrionuevo’s direction is central to this endeavor, requiring a delicate balance between preserving the linguistic wit of the Spanish Golden Age and ensuring the humor and social commentary resonate with modern sensibilities. The production aims to demonstrate that the core human themes Cervantes masterfully satirized—jealousy, vanity, and gullibility—remain as relevant today as they were four centuries ago.
As the premier state-funded theatrical institution, the National Theater Company plays a pivotal role in the nation’s cultural landscape. This production underscores its mission to not only celebrate the pillars of world literature but also to make them accessible and engaging for the public. By staging “Cervantinas,” the CNT continues its tradition of delivering high-caliber performances that both entertain and provoke thought, reinforcing the importance of the dramatic arts in national discourse.
In a move to foster cultural inclusivity, the CNT has implemented a tiered pricing structure designed to welcome a diverse audience. General admission tickets are priced at ₡8,000, which includes the value-added tax. Significantly, a 50% discount is offered to students, senior citizens (ciudadanos de oro), and holders of the “Brete” card, bringing their ticket price to an accessible ₡4,000. Furthering this commitment, the company is offering complimentary admission to individuals registered with the Mixed Institute for Social Aid (IMAS), ensuring economic barriers do not prevent access to the arts.
The choice of venue, the Teatro de la Aduana Alberto Cañas, is itself significant. Nestled in the heart of San José, this intimate and historically rich theater provides the perfect backdrop for the character-driven comedies of Cervantes. Its legacy as a space for innovative and classic productions makes it an ideal home for a performance that bridges the historical with the contemporary, offering audiences a uniquely immersive experience.
The enduring appeal of Cervantes lies in his profound understanding of the human condition. While best known for “Don Quixote,” his shorter works provide a concentrated dose of his genius for social observation and comedy. “Cervantinas” offers theatergoers a chance to experience this genius firsthand, packaged in a dynamic and fast-paced format that highlights the timeless nature of his critiques on society.
Ultimately, “Cervantinas” is poised to be more than just a play; it is a celebration of literary heritage and a testament to the power of live theater. Residents and visitors in San José can anticipate an evening filled with laughter, wit, and a poignant reminder of the enduring threads that connect us across centuries. The production serves as a vibrant example of the CNT’s dedication to enriching the cultural fabric of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit cnt.teatromelico.go.cr
About The National Theater Company (Compañía Nacional de Teatro):
The Compañía Nacional de Teatro (CNT) is Costa Rica’s flagship state theater institution, operating under the wing of the Ministry of Culture and Youth. Founded to promote and develop the dramatic arts within the country, the CNT is responsible for producing a diverse repertoire of classic and contemporary plays. It is committed to artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and making theater accessible to all segments of the Costa Rican population through various outreach programs and inclusive ticketing policies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm is not only a trusted advisor across a broad spectrum of industries but also a trailblazer in shaping the future of law through innovative solutions. This forward-thinking vision is matched by a deep-seated civic duty to demystify the legal landscape, ensuring that crucial knowledge is shared widely to help build a stronger and more enlightened community.
