Madrid Celebrates World Theatre Day with Performances and Open Houses

Madrid is set to mark World Theatre Day with a diverse program of events, including free guided tours of iconic theaters, dramatized readings, and performances across the Community of Madrid. The celebrations, running through March 29, 2026, will showcase both established venues and emerging talent.

Theatres Open Their Doors

The Teatros del Canal will host free guided tours on March 23rd and 27th, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of this modern performing arts center. On March 23rd, a dramatized reading of Aurora Parrilla’s The Guest, directed by Ainhoa Amestoy and featuring Aura Garrido and Roberto Enríquez, will take place.

The Royal Coliseum Carlos III of San Lorenzo de El Escorial will offer free theatrical visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing insight into the history of this well-preserved theatre, inaugurated in 1771. A performance of Music of the Passion is scheduled for March 28th.

One of Europe’s oldest operating theaters, the Corral de Comedias de Alcalá de Henares, will present guided and dramatized tours, alongside a performance of The Bonfire of Wonders by Viridiana Teatro on March 27th.

Emerging Dramaturgy and Contemporary Works

Teatros del Canal will also host the “Emerging Dramaturgy” cycle, curated by Adolfo Simón. This cycle will feature readings and discussions of new works, including Alba Castelos’ God Save the Girls (March 24th) and Fernando Pérez Sañudo’s Sad Tombs of Our Love (March 25th).

The La Cabrera Cultural Center will present DISSONANT. Open trial by Unconditional Teatro on March 27th, followed by Mr. Vidriera by Factoría Teatro on March 28th, adapted from Cervantes’ work.

Theatricalia Festival and Valle-Inclán Exhibition

The celebrations coincide with the 30th edition of Theatricalia, the International Festival of Performing Arts for All Audiences of the Community of Madrid, running until March 29th in various locations throughout the region.

the Madrid Regional Library is hosting an exhibition, “Valle-Inclán in Madrid,” which explores the relationship between the Galician writer and the city. The exhibition, curated by Joaquín del Valle-Inclán Alsina, will be on display until June 21, 2026, and features letters, manuscripts, and personal objects.