The Teatro Español, a landmark of Madrid's public theater scene, has unveiled its program for the 2026-2027 season. It will open with two acclaimed revivals: 'El nudo gordiano' and 'Personas, lugares y cosas'. Both productions sold out during their previous runs. Joining them will be 'Historia de una escalera', which achieved record occupancy two years ago and returns between January and February 2027. The Sala de los Balcones will host 'Las cartas boca abajo', a lesser-known work by Buero Vallejo, and 'Duermen bajo las aguas', by Carmen Kurtz.
The upcoming season will be significantly shaped by the centenary celebration of the Generation of '27. While a year heavily focused on the figure of Lorca is anticipated, there is hope that the anniversary will also highlight other equally interesting and often overlooked authors. It is also noted that 2027 marks the fifth centenary of the birth of Philip II, the king who made Madrid the capital and during whose reign Lope de Rueda pioneered modern Spanish theater. It is possible that Nao de Amores will consider this date.
On the main stage of the Español, Eduardo Vasco will direct 'Yerma', a play originally staged in 1934, starring Lara Grube starting October 30th. Lorca will also be represented with 'El amor de don Perlimplín con Belisa en su jardín' and 'El cante jondo', a flamenco-inspired performance featuring Ginés García Millán.
The lineup will feature prominent figures from the contemporary stage. Blanca Portillo will lead the cast of '7 minutos', by Stefano Massini, directed by Peris-Mencheta. Carmen Machi will star in a new production of 'La gaviota', directed by Miguel del Arco. The cast also includes Joaquín Notario performing 'El eslabón perdido' and Lucía Quintana in 'Me casé por alegría'.
A section of particular interest will revive works by dynamic female figures of the era, such as Victorina Durán, Concha Méndez, and Ernestina de Champourcin, alongside their contemporaries Rafael Dieste and Manuel Altolaguirre. These productions will be presented in the Sala de los Balcones.
Eduardo Vasco, director of the Español, emphasized the high occupancy rates across the three venues, justifying the revival of successful shows and the extension of performance runs. Tickets for the new season are now on sale.
The current season is not yet over. On June 16th, the main stage will premiere the theatrical adaptation of 'La escopeta nacional', with limited tickets remaining. Concurrently, the Sala de los Balcones will present 'Crónica de un mal español', based on texts by García Berlanga, adapted and directed by his son Jorge.
The final production in the Margarita Xirgu hall will be 'Farsa y licencia de la reina castiza', by Valle Inclán, with adaptation and direction by Ana Zamora. This play has not been seen in commercial Madrid theater since 1986, when César Oliva directed it at the Teatro Bellas Artes. Very few tickets are left for its final performances.
