Our country will transform into a hub for performing arts this April as it hosts the first Ibero-American Theater Festival, known as FITCR. Running from April 10 to 19, the event draws theater companies from across Latin America and Europe to showcase works that highlight shared cultural ties and contemporary issues.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, FITCR aims to revive theater as a key form of artistic expression. It positions Costa Rica as a central point for creative exchange in the region. Groups from Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Honduras, El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, Uruguay, Spain, and local Costa Rican ensembles will participate, offering a mix of performances that reflect diverse perspectives.
The festival dedicates its debut to Lucho Barahona, a playwright, actor, and educator who left a lasting mark on Costa Rican theater. Barahona’s work shaped generations of artists and viewers through his focus on freedom, critical thought, and human depth. Minister of Culture Nayuribe Guadamuz honored his contributions, noting that Barahona saw theater as a place for honest and sometimes challenging dialogue.
Laura Santamaría, director of the National Theater Company and the festival, described FITCR as a milestone for cultural engagement. She explained that it opens Costa Rica to broader Ibero-American collaboration and underscores theater’s role in reflection and community building. The program features high-quality productions that address current realities and questions.
Beyond performances, FITCR includes professional development opportunities. Workshops, discussions, and master classes will support artists’ growth and encourage co-productions. These elements aim to build networks and boost cultural sustainability. The festival also promotes audience expansion by decentralizing events, making them accessible outside the capital.
Shows will occur at several historic sites, including the Melico Salazar Popular Theater, the National Theater, the Alberto Cañas Customs Theater, the 1887 Theater, the Dance Theater, and the La Villa Theater in Desamparados. This spread ensures broader public reach and ties into efforts to position Costa Rica as a leader in regional arts and tourism.
FITCR forms part of a larger series of seven festivals that will travel the country from September through April, covering gastronomy, music, dance, and more. These initiatives seek to connect communities and extend cultural activities beyond urban areas. As preparations advance, the festival stands as a commitment to ongoing regional talent promotion. It plans for annual editions to strengthen the Ibero-American arts ecosystem over time.
