The Universitat Jaume I (UJI) has unveiled the programme for the 34th edition of the Mostra d'Arts Escèniques Reclam, which will take place from 30 October to 6 December across 11 municipalities in the province of Castellón. This year’s showcase features 39 theatrical works and 43 performances, highlighting the importance of culture in fostering critical thought and social debate.
The announcement was made at the Llotja del Cànem, with the presence of UJI's Vice-Rector for Culture, Social Commitment, and Equality, Raquel Agost, and the artistic director of the showcase, Toni Valesa, alongside representatives from collaborating institutions and municipalities.
Agost emphasised the significance of the Reclam showcase, stating that it has become a well-established event eagerly anticipated by both the public and theatre companies. She remarked, "Culture is a transversal and unifying axis of the university, which offers a participatory cultural programme adapted to new concerns." She also highlighted the importance of institutional alliances, as demonstrated by the collaborative nature of the event.
Valesa noted that the thematic focus of this year's showcase revolves around proposals that encourage reflection on the social realities surrounding us, approached with rigor and coherence. He described the Reclam as a centre for thought that promotes humanistic education for society at large, aiming to present reality in a calm and thoughtful manner, rather than through stridency and aggression.
The visual identity of the showcase, designed by Mar Sotomayor, features a sculptural representation that serves as a metaphor for critical thinking. The design includes a fragmented and open bust, symbolising a connection to the performing arts, with a blindfold that falls away to encourage a more open perspective for individual and collective reflection.
The showcase will kick off on 30 October at the UJI's Paranimf with the performance of "Puig Antic, open case" by La Dramàtica. This documentary piece commemorates the 50th anniversary of the execution of Salvador Puig Antic in Barcelona's Model Prison, exploring the extremes of human behaviour through a narrative that traverses time and memory.
The closing event will take place at the Municipal Theatre of Benicàssim, featuring a family circus show titled "Domte" by Nacho Forés, who was awarded the Best Circus Artist of 2026. The performances will continue throughout the month at the Paranimf, where dance will play a prominent role.
Upcoming performances include "No" by La Venidera, a contemporary dance piece, and a double bill featuring "S'Albufera" by Maya Triay and Mariona Jaume, and "The Common Ground" by Poliana Lima, addressing themes of environmental beauty and social inclusion, respectively.
The theatrical offerings will also include "Fantasmes de guerra," a humorous intergenerational tribute to friendships during the Spanish Civil War, and "Disección de la bondad en tres actos" by Titzina, a dark comedy exploring themes of deceit.
Additional venues involved in the Reclam showcase include the Teatre del Raval and the Teatre Principal, with a diverse array of performances scheduled. Notably, José Sanchis Sinisterra, a prominent Spanish playwright, will give a lecture on 14 November at the Llotja del Cànem.
Family-friendly productions will also feature prominently, alongside contemporary dance pieces and performances addressing historical memory and social issues. The collaboration with Penitentiary Institutions will see two works performed at the Castelló II Penitentiary, further extending the reach of this cultural initiative.
