Discovering the new edition of the Performing Arts Festival

Interview with its director, Quino Falero

In the vibrant world of performing arts, there are figures who stand out not only for their talent but also for their dedication and vision. Quino Falero, director of Escena Lanzarote.Performance Arts Festival, which takes place in the iconic Manriquean spaces of the Centers for Art, Culture, and Tourism of Lanzarote. In this interview, we will explore the motivations that drive him and the challenges he faces in leading an event that has become a cultural benchmark on our island. ESCENA not only celebrates creativity and art but also connects artists, audiences, and the community in a space for cultural exchange. Join us on this journey to learn more about Quino and his fascinating work in the festival.

Quino Falero

Joaquín González Falero, artistically known as Quino Falero, was born on December 16, 1968, in Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain. His academic background includes a degree in Spanish Philology from the University of La Laguna, a Pedagogical Aptitude Certificate from the University of Las Palmas, and several master’s degrees in Performing Arts and Cultural Project Management from the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid. He has also expanded his training with various specialized scenic courses in Madrid, Barcelona, and Italy.

Falero, a stage director since 1994, has directed works such as La Umbría and La Lista de Mis Deseos and has worked in television with the successful program En Otra Clave since 2017. His career has made him a key figure in theatre and television in the Canary Islands, collaborating with various casts and playwrights, and earning multiple awards.

Inspiration and vision

What inspired you to develop the Performing Arts Festival in Lanzarote?

My emotional connection with the Jameos del Agua auditorium. I used to come here as a teenager to watch performances, and I’m sure that’s where my love for this profession was born, a career I’ve now had for over thirty years.

What role do you think the festival plays in Lanzarote’s cultural community?

It’s a very recent festival, but I believe that little by little, it is gaining a loyal following from the local audience and growing interest from the visiting public in the programmed activities. We are putting a lot of effort into attracting young audiences with proposals like Avalanche or Glass House, which I think could be very interesting for appealing to a younger crowd.

What message would you like to convey to the audience through this edition of the festival?

I would like the audience to experience the feeling of enjoying a live performance, where the artists breathe at the same time as the audience, in such a unique setting as the spaces of the Centers for Art, Culture, and Tourism, and for that to become an unforgettable experience.

Innovations and approaches

What are the main innovations we can expect in this edition?

This year, we are incorporating more presence in the programming of spaces that are not so conventional for stage performances. We will have activities in the Cactus Garden, the dance floor at Jameos del Agua, on the Islote de Fermina, at the Casa-Museo del Campesino, and at the Castillo de San José.

What thematic or artistic approaches will you follow in this new edition?

This year’s programming has two main focuses. The primary one is the cultural convergence of three continents—Africa, America, and Europe—in our geography. The festival will feature performances from African traditions, as well as from Argentina, Portugal, and England. On the other hand, the second thematic focus is the reexamination of tradition through a contemporary lens. In this regard, we will have performances that revisit traditional elements, giving them a fresh twist and taking them into the realm of avant-garde.

Artists and performances

Is there any standout event or artist you would like to highlight?

I believe all of them are very captivating, and none should be missed. I would start with the first performance, Avalanche. I’m sure this show, which blends urban dance with football—yes, football—will leave you speechless. Has it sparked your curiosity? It will be on Saturday, October 26th, at the Jameos del Agua auditorium.

Have any of the performances participating this year been awarded important prizes?

Yes, we have companies that have won the National Dance Award, and creations that have toured around the world. All the performances and companies programmed have significant recognition in the field of scenic creation.

How do you select the artists and performances that participate in the festival?

I travel to some fairs, review many proposals from distribution agencies I’ve known for a long time, and stay in contact with the most important professionals in our country. I also maintain direct relationships with festival programmers at a national level and have a strong network of collaboration with other theatres and festivals in our community.

Interactive activities and workshops

Will interactive activities or workshops be offered?

Yes, we will have a Gaga dance workshop, which will be held in several spaces of the Centers for Art, Culture, and Tourism. All the information is available on the festival’s website: www.escenalanzarote.com.

Expectations and evolution

How has the festival evolved over its previous editions?

We strive to incorporate formats that harmoniously blend with the spaces, as well as new locations for performances, and we’ve expanded the programming to reach a wider audience.

What are your expectations for this edition compared to the previous ones?

I hope that attendance increases and that the audience’s satisfaction is high, that the festival continues to consolidate gradually, that the local audience meets its most demanding expectations, and that the visiting public becomes more and more interested in engaging with cultural activities on the island, enjoying a full experience of leisure and culture.

The Lanzarote Performing Arts Festival continues to solidify its place as an essential cultural space, where the arts, artists, and audiences come together to experience unique moments. Thanks to the vision and dedication of Quino Falero, the festival not only grows in size and impact but also in diversity and creativity. This event has become a benchmark on the island, demonstrating that innovation and tradition can coexist in harmony, offering both local and visiting audiences unforgettable performances in the most iconic venues of Lanzarote.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique experience. Explore, enjoy, and live the art of performance in the stunning spaces of the Centers for Art, Culture, and Tourism of Lanzarote. Discover what the Performing Arts Festival has in store for you this year. Visit our website and the festival’s official site, check out the program, and make sure to reserve your ticket!