The Ministry of Culture announced this Monday Laila Ripoll as the new director of the National Classical Theater Company (CNTC). Ripoll replaces Lluís Homar, who left his position amid a controversy over his contracts. He will assume his position starting January 1.
The playwright has been appointed for a period of five years, extendable for a maximum of another three. The person in charge will limit her possible stage directions to a maximum of one production per season, starting in 2026.
According to the note sent by the National Institute of Performing Arts (INAEM), among the axes of its proposal is “the contemporaneity” of the reading of classic texts, “the parity” between creators, “with special attention to the role of playwrights and adapters”, “inclusion, to ensure accessibility for both the public and creators with functional diversity”, “decentralization”, to bring the CNTC throughout the territory and “internationalization” to bring the theater of Golden Age for the main festivals in the world.
The own productions that Ripoll will promote will be between two and three per season, and one of them will be linked to the Young National Classical Theater Company, which will also depend on it. In addition, it is committed to including at least one unpublished title in the Company’s repertoire per season.
The new direction will seek to include other performing languages, such as dance or musical theater, in relation to the Golden Age. It will also promote the continued presence of theater for children. And, in terms of work, it will create a specialized actor pool, made up of performers who have passed through the CNTC, and is committed to holding regular auditions.
In 2025 there will be a call for the new promotion of the Young CNTC.
Homar’s departure
The Ministry, after agreeing with Homar to leave the company, opened a selection process with open candidates. The most important requirement to assess is training and experience in classical theater, especially in works from the Golden Age, something that Homar did not know about, as he himself admitted in his first press conference.
Another of the criteria on which the INAEM placed special emphasis is experience in the administration of an organization, especially in areas such as budget management and the hiring and supervision of personnel.
Candidates had to present a project, of no more than 6,000 words, both to direct and manage the CNTC. 19 proposals were presented.
According to the INAEM, Ripoll is committed to “turning the Classic into a reference institution not only in terms of art, but also in management.” It will do so by “facilitating internal dialogue and listening spaces, and with rigor and transparency.” as guiding principles.
#Laila #Ripoll #director #National #Classical #Theater #Company #replacing #Lluís #Homar
