The theater festival in the Valls d'Àneu, located in Pallars Sobirà, has unveiled a diverse program encompassing circus, theater, and music. These activities are complemented by traditional culture displays, workshops, and installations, spread across thirteen different venues in Esterri d'Àneu. The event, organized by the Esterri d'Àneu City Council, is consolidating its role as a driver of cultural, social, and economic transformation and cohesion for the region, as highlighted by its promoters during the presentation at the Institut d'Estudis Ilerdencs (IEI) of the Diputació de Lleida.
This year, Esbaiola't is expanding its international reach with the participation of six European companies, bringing contemporary artistic languages and high-quality performances. Among the international highlights is the French company Cirque Inextremiste with their high-risk circus show Inextremiste, premiering in Catalonia. Also from France, Accompany Me presents A mesure - Handle with care, a poetic piece about fragility that will be seen for the first time in Catalan territory.
The international program is completed with the Spanish premiere of Brusco, by the Italian company Circolabile, which combines humor and clowning techniques. Additionally, the audience can enjoy the physical theater and juggling of Hippana Maleta (Ireland), the aerial and resistance circus of Les Josianes (France), and the mechanical ingenuity-based creations of Green Wheel Events (France).
The festival also maintains a strong commitment to local talent from across Catalonia. The company La Baldufa will present Fantasmes de guerra, a work addressing historical memory inspired by the book Érem feres. Other participants include Tombs Creatius with El viatge del Senyor Tonet and Xip Xap, offering both the participatory activity Trasto Karts and the musical family show Uh! Quin cangueli. Also featured are Pixie Dixie, Baraka with its natural materials play space, and established names like Guillem Albà with Ma Solitud, Brodas Bros with Petit Break, Pau Palaus with Zloty, and Farrés Brothers with El cau d'en Tabalet.
Esbaiola't strengthens its support for creation with a project that directly connects the artistic sphere with the local territory and community. The company Apikipala presents Camins de bosc, a collaborative proposal that has fostered cooperation with the Ecomuseu de les Valls d'Àneu and local wood artisans. This synergy has resulted in a collection of games inspired by local craftsmanship and materials, with an educational dimension that includes activities at the Esterri d'Àneu school.
The festival also stands out for its social aspect, with eleven inclusive and community theater proposals, including creations by the Fundació Alba Jussà and the Fundació Alosa, as well as the participation of students from the Aula de Teatre de Lleida. The local community will play a prominent role with activities such as a popular chocolate party, musical performances, parades, and zero-kilometer workshops led by local artisans. Advance tickets will be available for purchase from June 3 on the festival's website.
