Every January since 1994, the Chilean capital and other cities in Chile have served as the ideal backdrop for the performing arts and interactions with diverse audiences. For three weeks, the Teatro a Mil Festival becomes a unique platform for contemporary creation, dedicated to artistic excellence and socially and politically relevant works.

As part of its international programme, Teatro a Mil 2026 will feature Basque companies Marie De Jongh and Deabru Beltzak, in collaboration with the Etxepare Basque Institute.

Marie De Jongh

The theatre company Marie De Jongh will present the play ‘Mr. Bo’. Using physical expression, silent performances and clown techniques, the play presents a controversial story about power dynamics, submission and tyranny. Featuring a set design that plays with proportions, oversized masks and whimsical magnetic devices, the play centres on three servants who have devoted their entire lives to working for Mr. Bo, a capricious and grumpy character who treats them little consideration or respect. Used to obeying his orders, they have forgotten that there was once a time – when Bo was a child – when they were able to say "enough". Now it seems too late, although they may still have a second chance. This family-friendly show, infused with intentional innocence and humour, explores the roots of despotic power and how to confront it.

The company will offer ten performances as part of the Teatro a Mil Festival programme, both in Santiago and other cities in Chile:

Sunday, January 4th, 8:00pm, Teatro Municipal de Iquique
Wednesday, January 7th, 8:30pm, Teatro Gamelin Guerra de Mejillones
Thursday, January 8th, 8:00pm, Teatro Municipal de Antofagasta
Sunday, January 11th, 7:00pm, Teatro Biobío de Concepción
Tuesday, January 13th, 7:00pm, Fundación Centro Cultural Lo Prado (Santiago)
Wednesday, January 14th, 7:30pm, Centro Cultural de Tiltil
Thursday, January15th, 8:00pm, Espacio Matta, Santiago
Friday, January 16th, 8:00pm, Centro Cultural, Buin
Saturday, January 17th, 8:00pm, Centro Cultural, Buin
Sunday, January 18th, 8:00pm, Centro Cultural, Viña del Mar

Deabru Beltzak

The Deabru Beltzak street theatre company will also take part in Teatro a Mil with their travelling show ‘Su Talka’, offering six performances from January 10th and 17th. Using percussion and pyrotechnics, ‘Su Talka’ is a contemporary ritual that engages the audience and blurs the line between stage and spectators.

The shows will take place at the following times and places:

Saturday, January 10th, 9:00pm, Parque Croacia de Antofagasta
Monday, January 12th, 9:00pm, Pican, Iquique
Wednesday, January 14th, 9:30pm, Corner of Sánchez Fontecilla and Del Sol Poniente, Puente Alto
Thursday, January 15th, 9:30pm, Avenida Los Pajaritos 2045, Maipú neighbourhood, Santiago
Friday, January 16th, 9:30pm, Plaza Bonilla, El Bosque neighbourhood, Santiago
Saturday, January 17th, 9:30pm, Blanco Encalada 1335, Renca neighbourhood, Santiago