Ministry of Culture Opens 10th International Santo Domingo Theater Festival 2018

Santo Domingo, December 7, 2018 – Minister of Culture Eduardo Selman formally inaugurated the 10th International Santo Domingo Theater Festival, an event that will feature 24 national and international theater groups. In total, some 55 theater-related events will be presented in the country’s National District, as well as in the cities of Santiago, Azua and San Juan de la Maguana.

During the opening event Minister of Culture, architect Eduardo Selman, delivered welcome remarks. Festival director Reynaldo Disla and actor Haffe Serulle, whose professional trajectory was honored by the Festival, also delivered remarks during the opening event.

In his remarks Minister Selman highlighted the enthusiasm of the Dominican theater movement, and stated that the movement can always count with his office as well as the support of the Dominican government for future projects.

He also explained that the Ministry is working on opening fine arts centers in each of the country’s provinces, and that theater will be an important component of these centers.

Architect Selman also said that the Ministry of Culture is pleased to work with such a dynamic and demanding theater sector, which is extremely focused on developing and supporting Dominican theater groups.

He also explained that the Festival was a direct result of the proactive attitude undertaken by Dominican theater groups, including government-sponsored and private theater troupes. “And here we are, all together, all working for the same cause,” stated Minister Selman.

He warmly welcomed the international delegations participating in the Festival and wished them all the best during their presentations throughout the country.

After the Minister’s opening remarks, Festival director Reynaldo Disla explained the Theater’s program agenda, and also mentioned the workshops and forums that will take place during the Festival.

Theater director and actor Haffe Serulle thanked the Festival organizers for honoring him during the event. He emphasized the importance of theater in the overall development of individuals and culture in general. A video on the life of Serulle was presented during the event, and a US$1,000 award was presented to artist José Luis Jiménez for the design of the Festival poster.

International theater troupes from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Puerto Rico traveled to the Dominican Republic to participate in the Festival with the Dominican counterparts.

In attendance during the opening ceremony were Karina Noble, Director of the National Theater Festival; Cayo Claudio Espinal, Vice Minister of Creativity and Popular Participation, and Freddy Ginebra, Casa de Teatro director, and other well-known personalities. .

The Festival will run until December 16. In total, 55 theater events will be featured as well as 12 theater-oriented workshops and conferences headed by national and international experts.