In the town of Sagunto, just to the north of the city of Valencia, there is an annual festival dedicated to the performing arts. Every year, the Cultural Institute of Valencia puts on Sagunto on Stage to celebrate and show off the talent and creativity of each of the performers and everyone involved in show business from Valencia, but also from international theater companies. Held mostly at the Roman Theatre of Sagunto, this programme will have free open-air performances that include dance, music, theatre, and even a circus. Some highlights include Tao Dance Theater, which has been described as “hypnotic”, as well as The Two Gentlemen of Verona, a comedy directed by Declan Donnellan.

If theatre and dance don’t catch your attention immediately, then maybe the circus will. The circus, titled Vitae, will be performed by Xa! Theater at 8 pm at the Civic Center on August 9. With performer Xavi Castelló and director Jordi Purtí, this circus is sure to bring you joy and curiosity, and remind you of how fast time flies.

There also will be a Choral Guitar performance by Alicante native Yerai Cortés. He will perform his flamenco set on August 7 at 10:30 pm in the Roman Theatre. If music is more your thing, also check out Company Jimena Cavalletti and their performance of FOOLS. This comedic musical show will be on August 14 at 8 pm at the Ancient Moreria.

Additionally, there are some fantastic musical theatre productions taking place at the Roman Theatre that will surely have you laughing, crying, and quite possibly both. Canal Theaters and Estival Productions will present The Horns of Don Friolera, a powerful story from 20th-century Spanish literature that is adapted and told through the direction of contemporary writer Ainhoa Amestoy. See this production on Saturday August 9 at 10:30 pm in the Roman Theatre.

Also see Barcelona Grec Festival and Miramedia Universe’s In the Middle of So Much Fire, a story of power, war, desertion, passions, violence, homeland, and what all this means for the human body. This production, directed by Xavier Albertí and based on Homer’s Iliad, will play on August 12 at 10:30 pm at the Roman Theatre.

For a lighter story, check out The Water of Valencia, the story of Lope de Vega in the 1500s and his adventures, as well as his humanity. Directed by Anna Marí and Javier Sahuquillo, this show is sure to have you both entertained and laughing along with the rest of the audience. Be sure to get tickets for the show at 10:30 pm on August 14.

Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted comedy or an introspective tragedy, a musical or a dance performance, something that screams grassroots Valencia or something based on ancient history, the Sagunto festival has something in the works for you. To get tickets and learn more about each of the productions listed here, along with so many others, go to https://saguntaescena.ivc.gva.es/es/programa/.

Main venue: Roman Theatre: Plaza Facundo Roca, s/n, 46500 Sagunt, Valencia

Report by Fiona Pacious 

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’