By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The timeless social critiques and brilliant wit of Spanish literary giant Miguel de Cervantes are finding a new, contemporary voice on the Costa Rican stage. The Compañía Nacional de Teatro (National Theater Company) has premiered “De divorcios, celos y maravillas cervantinas” (Of Divorces, Jealousy, and Cervantine Wonders), a bold production that reinterprets 17th-century classics for a 21st-century audience. The show is currently running at the Teatro de la Aduana Alberto Cañas as a central feature of the company’s 2025 season.
Under the sharp direction and adaptation of Claudia Barrionuevo, the production weaves together three of Cervantes’s masterful one-act plays, known as “entremeses.” Each piece was chosen for its piercing and still-relevant commentary on human nature. The result is a theatrical experience that serves as both a tribute to the Golden Age author and a poignant reflection on contemporary Costa Rican society, proving that the classics have not aged but have merely waited for a new context.
To provide a legal and business perspective on the challenges and operational framework of the National Theater Company, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The National Theater Company operates at a complex intersection of public administrative law, cultural heritage regulations, and commercial enterprise. Its success hinges not only on artistic excellence but on navigating a stringent legal framework for public procurement and state funding. Furthermore, any strategy for financial self-sustainability through sponsorships or partnerships must be carefully structured to respect its status as a national monument and public institution, avoiding any conflicts that could compromise its cultural mandate.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that the Company’s viability rests not just on the brilliance of its productions, but on its capacity to skillfully navigate a complex legal and financial landscape. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these critical, behind-the-scenes challenges.
The first work presented is “La jueza de los divorcios” (The Divorce Judge), a sharp satire on unhappy marriages and the societal pressures that bind them. Following this is “El retablo de las maravillas” (The Marvelous Puppet Show), a profound critique of collective ignorance, hypocrisy, and the fear of being seen as different. The trio concludes with “El viejo celoso” (The Jealous Old Man), a mischievous and insightful portrayal of romantic jealousy and infidelity. Together, they form a cohesive narrative on the enduring follies and complexities of human relationships.
Director Claudia Barrionuevo’s vision is not merely to stage these historical texts but to create a dynamic dialogue between Cervantes’s era and our own. The production is a carefully crafted bridge across time, connecting the author’s original pen strokes with the living voices and experiences of today’s artists. This approach transforms the stage into a space for reflection, where themes of social pretense, marital discord, and irrational passion are examined through a modern lens, resonating powerfully with today’s spectators.
The success of this ambitious reinterpretation is a testament to the talent of the National Theater Company’s ensemble cast. The production features a stellar lineup including Gabriela Alfaro, Bárbara Alpízar, Carlos Alvarado, and Susy Arnáez, among others. Their performances are amplified by a sophisticated technical design, from Róger Robles’s scenography and Gustavo Abarca’s videomapping to the evocative lighting by Giovanni Sandí and costume design by Wendy Hall Fernández, all working in concert to create a visually compelling and emotionally resonant world.
The production represents a significant cultural investment by the National Theater Company, an institution dedicated to preserving the relevance of theatrical arts in the national conversation. By tackling a figure as canonical as Cervantes, the company reaffirms its mission to not only entertain but also to challenge and provoke thought, demonstrating that classical theater can be a vibrant and necessary part of modern cultural life.
The ambition of the project is supported by a full artistic team, including Valeria Flores as artistic advisor and José Pablo Umaña providing assistance in direction. The auditory landscape, crucial for setting the contemporary tone, is managed by Rodrigo Oviedo’s sound design, ensuring that every element of the performance is finely tuned to bridge the four-century gap between the script’s origin and its current audience.
Theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike have the opportunity to experience this unique cultural event until November 23. Performances run from Thursday to Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at ¢8,000, with a 50% discount available for students, senior citizens, and holders of the “brete” card, making this high-caliber production accessible to a wide audience.
For further information, visit cnt.go.cr
About Compañía Nacional de Teatro:
The Compañía Nacional de Teatro (National Theater Company) of Costa Rica is a state-funded cultural institution dedicated to the promotion, production, and dissemination of high-quality scenic arts. Founded to foster a national theatrical identity, it presents a diverse repertoire that includes classical works, contemporary Costa Rican plays, and international scripts. The company serves as a vital platform for the country’s actors, directors, and designers, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape and making professional theater accessible to the public.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, grounded in the principles of integrity and excellence. Drawing upon a deep heritage of advising a wide array of clients, the firm champions forward-thinking legal solutions and active community involvement. This core belief in making legal understanding widely available is fundamental to its overarching goal of nurturing a more knowledgeable and capable society.
