Mérida Classical Theatre Festival 2026

The 72nd International Classical Theatre Festival in Mérida opened its summer program with a dance‑theatre rendition of Spartacus in the historic Roman Theatre. The festival’s second flagship work, Bacanal, premiered on 22 July as a hybrid dance and spoken‑word piece examining bodily freedom, desire and the limits imposed by power. Written by Juan Carlos Rubio and directed by Chevi Muraday, it ran for five consecutive nights through 26 July, with audience members invited to wear white to become part of the performance’s rhythm.

From 31 July to 2 August the programme expanded to include three classical productions – Euripides’ tragedy Medea, the drama Alejandro y el eunuco persa, and the mythic Jasón y las Furias – alongside the contemporary Bacanal, which the organisers describe as a modern take on The Bacchae. The Medea staging featured an inclusive cast that incorporated visually‑impaired actors and was adapted for audiences aged 14 and over. Actress Beatriz Solís highlighted the value of the festival’s extensions for performers. The Roman Theatre, with a capacity of more than 3,000 seats, continues to draw local and international audiences, reflecting the festival’s ongoing aim to balance traditional Greco‑Roman tragedies with newer, diverse dramaturgy.

Overall, the festival runs through July and August, offering nightly shows that blend classical heritage with contemporary storytelling.