Feminism and social critique at Igualada's 31st Children's and Youth Theater Festival

Feminism and other societal critiques will feature heavily at the central Catalan city of Igualada's Children's and Youth Theater Festival, which this year celebrates its 31^st edition, according to artistic director Ramon Giné.

Catalonia's leading performing arts market's program was revealed on Monday, and one of Mostra Igualada's novelties this year is that organizers have decided to increase the number of shows for small children up to 3 years in age.

The festival, which will showcase top productions by artists from Catalonia and beyond from March 26 to 29, is expected to attract some 30,000 spectators and 700 theater professionals.

This year, Giné says, the Mostra received 712 applications from theater companies wanting to participate in the festival, of which 47, who will put on a total of 91 shows, were selected. 31 of these companies are Catalan, 12 are from other parts of Spain, and 4 are from abroad.

As for the innovative and experimental performances themselves – 18 of which will be premiering in Igualada – they include shows such as the audiovisual dance production 'Geometria', by Roseland Musical, 'Fragile', by Labú Teatre, presenting "fragility as a state in which walking the tightrope is presented beautifully and powerfully," or 'Camí a l'escola' by Campi Qui Pugui, about three sisters and the difficulties they face to get to school.

All shows can be seen are either free of charge or are between €5-8.