The Almagro International Classical Theater Festival Foundation and ONCE have renewed the collaboration agreement that they have had for several editions. In this way, both institutions come together again in the mutual interest of continuing to jointly guarantee an inclusive and accessible cycle for all citizens interested in classical theatre, regardless of their circumstances.

The festival will ensure that all spectators can have access to both the planned theatrical performances and the rest of the scheduled activities such as exhibitions, workshops, etc. On the other hand, the ONCE, in compliance with its goals, aimed at achieving the full integration of blind people and people with low vision, will be part of the La Mancha event, guaranteeing the accessibility and inclusiveness of the event.

On behalf of the festival, which this year celebrates its 45th edition from June 30 to July 24, the agreement has been signed by its director, Ignacio García. On behalf of ONCE, it was done by the director of Cultural Promotion, Care for the Elderly, Youth, Leisure and Sports, Ángel Luis Gómez Blázquez, as reported by ONCE in a press release.

In the words of Ignacio García, «ONCE makes us a better festival. A festival of high culture with everyone and for everyone. I remember a verse by Lope: 'That by hearing it you can know everything'. Visually impaired people learn verse by ear, as it was learned in the 17th century. With their sensitivity they sharpen what the Golden Age manuals say, which indicate that the character should be recognized just by listening to him. For us, having ONCE is enhancing the richness of the festival».

For his part, Ángel Luis Gómez thanked the Almagro International Classical Theater Festival Foundation for its commitment to culture for all. "This agreement allows us to show society that visually impaired artists can offer the public a show on the same terms as any actor or actress," he said. «For ONCE, Almagro's appointment is already a very marked date in the calendar and, of course, it is a very important accolade for our theater groups. That is why we thank the festival for its constant support and company, which motivates us to improve ourselves in each edition », he concluded.

Within the framework of this agreement, ONCE also assumes the support and artistic coordination of the show 'Calderón, ¿enamorado?' by the Sa Boira Theater Group of Palma de Mallorca, made up of blind actors and actresses and belonging to one of the cultural associations subsidized by ONCE. This performance is scheduled for July 15 at 8:00 p.m., at the Municipal Theater of Almagro, and 14 actors and actresses take part in this production, most of them blind or have low vision.

In the work, a version by Professor José María Ruano de la Haza, texts from 12 pieces by Calderón de la Barca are used, combining representative titles such as 'La dama duende' or 'Casa con dospuertas mala es de guarda' with other little-known titles . Following the structure of his famous sitcoms, it allows you to discover Calderón's great secret: his embarrassing sentimental life.

In the opinion of the director of the Almagro International Classical Theater Festival since 2018, Ignacio García, with this proposal «Sa Boira will be at the same level as the National Classical Theater Company, because here nobody has special treatment, hence the true integration» .