Ninth National Theater Festival Closes With Thousands in Attendance
Ten days of theater across the Dominican Republic wrapped up with thousands of attendees, despite the rain. Here's how the FENATE 2026 closing went.
Key points
- shows and 71 performances, with 32 companies and 247 artists
- Performances held in 19 venues, including Santiago, Puerto Plata and Espaillat
- Seven workshops served 112 children and young people; five panels drew 75 participants
- The book "El teatro llega a ti" was published, featuring nine Dominican children's plays
The IX National Theater Festival (FENATE 2026) ended Sunday, November 1, after ten days of performances across the Dominican Republic. Thousands of spectators attended, despite rain that affected several parts of the country.
The closing ceremony took place in the Manuel Rueda hall at the Escuelas de Bellas Artes. Taking part were Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo, Vice Minister of Creativity and Artistic Training Amaury Sánchez, and director of the National Theater Festivals System Rícharson Díaz.
Under the motto "El teatro llega a ti" ("Theater comes to you"), the festival offered 31 shows and 71 performances, with 32 companies and 247 artists. The lineup included a range of formats and genres, along with a selection of short plays.
Performances extended to 19 venues, with activities in sectors of Santo Domingo Este, Los Alcarrizos, Sabana Perdida, San Luis and Boca Chica, and in schools in the Distrito Nacional. The festival also reached the provinces of Santiago, Puerto Plata and Espaillat.
On the training side, seven workshops were held for 112 children and young people, and five panels brought together 75 participants. Among the festival's contributions was the book "El teatro llega a ti," which gathers nine Dominican children's plays. A digital platform for ticket sales was also launched.
The program closed with "Un pedacito de luna," a children's play for the whole family.
Why it matters
Performing arts reached communities in Santo Domingo, Boca Chica and other provinces, expanding access and training for children and young people.