National Theater Celebrates 117 Years
The National Theater is the cultural epicenter of Costa Rica, and this year the institution is celebrating its birthday in style: a parade, public concerts and poetry readings, plus workshops and guided tours. How much does this all-day festival cost? It doesn’t – almost the entire anniversary is free to attend.
Anniversary party takes place Oct. 26 at the National Theater and Plaza de la Cultura, downtown San José. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Free. For a full schedule, see our preview of the event.
Music: “Poesía Hecha Canción”
The Mexican performer Alejandro Filio brings his unique combination of acoustic music and storytelling to the National Auditorium for a one-night recital.
Concert takes place Oct. 24 at the National Auditorium, former penitentiary, San José. 8:30 p.m. ₡26,000 ($52). Info: RedCultura.
Cartago Theater Festival
Catch up to 10 different Spanish-language plays at this potluck theater festival in Cartago.
El Festival de Teatro takes place Oct. 24-26 at the Casa de la Ciudad, downtown Cartago. ₡3,000 ($6) per show; ₡6,000 ($12) for three shows. Info: Casa de la Ciudad Facebook page.
Music: Tribute to the Beatles
The Philharmonic Orchestra of Costa Rica recreates Beatles classics on a symphonic scale.
“Tributo a Los Beatles” takes place Oct. 26 at the National Theater, downtown San José. 8 p.m. ₡10,000 ($20). Info: National Theater website.
Dance: This Is Not an Eight
Drawing together students and choreographers from the National University, this festival, whose idiomatic name roughly translates to “It’s not that complicated,” takes place in three different locales: the Teatro de la Danza, the Central Bank Museums, and the Barva Recycling Center.
“Esto No Es un Ocho” takes place Oct. 24 – Nov. 9 at various locations, San José. ₡2,000-4,000 ($4-8). Info: RedCultura.
Art: 75 Years of Photos
Browse decades of photojournalism at this striking exhibit, thanks to Spain’s Agencia EFE – the fourth-largest wire service in the world.
“EFE: 75 Años de Fotos” continues through Dec. 7 at the National Museum, San José. Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ₡1,500 ($3). Info: Museum website.
Film: Hitchcock Festival
The Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center hosts this four-evening homage to the “master of suspense.” Catch such classics as “Vertigo” and “The Birds.”
The Hitchcock Festival screens Oct. 22-25 at the Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center, Los Yoses. Wed., 6 p.m.; Thu. & Fri., 5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. Free. Info: RedCultura.
Theater: “The Cross”
Following a violent shooting in La Cruz de Alajuelita, the community reacts in Fernando Rodríguez’s award-winning new play.
“La Cruz” is performed through Nov. 30 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: National Theater website.
Art: “A Chronicle of Interventions”
Learn about U.S. incursions in Central America, thanks to this provocative group show co-produced with London’s revered Tate Gallery.
“Una Crónica de Intervenciones” displays at TEOR/éTica Gallery, Barrio Amón. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Info: TEOR/éTica website.
Art: “Creative Portals”
The students of St. Clare High School flaunt their creative skills at the National Gallery in an exhibit that showcases more than 60 artists.
“Portales Creativos” continues through Oct. 25 at the National Gallery, Former Penitentiary, San José. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. Info: National Gallery website.
Theater: “The Sheperd’s Martyrdom”
Learn about the life and death of Archbishop Óscar Romero in the National Theater Company’s revival of Samuel Rovinski Gruszco’s 1987 drama.
“El Martirio del Pastor” continues through Oct. 28 at the Antigua Aduana, Barrio Aranjuez. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 & 6 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: National Theater Company website.
Enamoráte de tu ciudad
Yes, you can go gaga for San José – especially when the Culture Ministry is sponsoring Enamorate de tu ciudad, or Fall in Love With Your City, a year-round celebration of art, culture and urban parks. Check out the event site for news on games, workshops, presentations and surprise performances.
Fall in Love with Your City takes place on Saturdays in various parks in downtown San José. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info: Enamorate de tu Ciudad website and Facebook page.
