Teatro de la Zarzuela Stages Premiere of ’18 Ciervas’

The Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid will host the world premiere of 18 Ciervas on June 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. This multidisciplinary recital, conceived by composer Sira Hernández, blends poetry, music, and dance to explore themes of emotional recovery, female identity, and survival. The production features choreography by Olga Pericet, narration by actress Olivia Molina, and stage direction by Janet Novás.

What is the inspiration behind ’18 Ciervas’?

The performance draws its thematic core from the 18 prehistoric deer figures found in the Covalanas Cave in Cantabria, Spain. According to official theater programming, these ancient paintings serve as a symbolic foundation for the production, representing the resilience and internal struggles of the feminine experience. The project originated after composer Sira Hernández attended a poetry reading by Rosana Acquaroni at the Biblioteca Eugenio Trías in Madrid during the spring of 2023. Hernández adapted Acquaroni’s eponymous poem collection, transforming the verses into a stage work that addresses complex emotional states, including guilt, affective dependency, and the capacity for personal rebirth.

Who is involved in the production?

18 Ciervas brings together several prominent figures in the Spanish performing arts scene. Sira Hernández leads the musical composition, marking her debut at the Teatro de la Zarzuela. The production also features:

• Olga Pericet: A renowned bailaora and choreographer who interprets the protagonist’s internal states through movement.
• Olivia Molina: An established actress tasked with the oral delivery of the poemario.
• Janet Novás: The stage director, marking her first collaboration with the Madrid venue.

For all three artists, this production represents a significant milestone, as it serves as their first appearance on the Zarzuela stage, according to communications from the INAEM (National Institute of Performing Arts and Music).

The ‘Ellas: Nosotras’ Cycle

This premiere is part of the Ellas: Nosotras cycle, a series of performances dedicated to highlighting women’s voices in contemporary culture. The cycle debuted in November 2025 with Soñando Caminos, a tribute to Antonio Machado. The initiative, which features four scheduled concerts, aims to showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, moving from emerging talents to established figures. The cycle also included a June 9 concert featuring winning works from the V Composition Prize of the Teatro de la Zarzuela. The series will conclude with Aquella ciudad, en otros tiempos, a recital featuring narrator Elvira Lindo and pianist Antonio Galera, focusing on the historical influence of New York City on artistic modernism.

Performance Details and Tickets

The performance is scheduled for a single date: June 16, 2025. Tickets for the event are currently available through the Teatro de la Zarzuela’s official website. Prospective attendees are encouraged to consult the theater’s digital program for further information regarding venue access and performance timing.

Key Takeaways

• Event: World premiere of 18 Ciervas.
• Date: June 16, 2025, at 19:30.
• Venue: Teatro de la Zarzuela, Madrid.
• Collaborators: Sira Hernández (music), Olga Pericet (dance), Olivia Molina (narration), Janet Novás (direction).
• Context: Part of the Ellas: Nosotras series, focusing on female perspectives and historical memory.