Autóctonxs explores the boldest proposals in live arts in Málaga

From February 20 to 23, the third edition of Autóctonxs arrives in Málaga at the Teatro del Soho Caixa Bank. The Live Scene Festival, now in its third year at Soho, aims to boost the artistic offerings of Málaga. "We take great care to ensure that the programming represents the cultural benchmarks present in the city throughout the year," says Alessandra García, the actress and author from Málaga who is shaping this festival.

One of the festival's goals is to position the Live Arts, performance, music, improvisation, and new dramaturgies as not just "something strange in a negative way but something strange and experimental in a positive way," explains Alessandra. The actress feels that this festival should contribute to making Málaga "a city that is in the world and embraces this type of culture." Autóctonxs encourages locals to leave their homes, stroll to the theater, turn off their phones for a while, and escape from the immediacy that dictates the pace of life lately. "I believe that living such an authentic experience can be like a cure, and the theater will become increasingly valued."

This festival welcomes everyone. It combines the voice of experience with the adrenaline of new beginnings. "We strongly believe in mixing different trajectories and demonstrating that within a festival of this caliber, there can be people who are just starting out," emphasizes Alessandra. This is how different perspectives and artistic forms coexist in the same space, such as Luz Arcas, National Dance Award winner, and Ramírez Florido, the youngest artists present. Or individuals who lead entire communities like Ilyak Visori, a reference in voguing in Andalucía.

Poster of the third edition of the AUTOCTONXS festival / Autóctonxs

Freshness, quality, and presence

In addition to representing the Málaga society in all its aspects, for a work to be part of the festival, it must possess freshness, quality, and represent the present live arts. A condition that also entails a risk, but Alessandra believes "it is important for the Soho that the native occupies that place of risk and avant-garde." Autóctonxs is still being shaped but already has a very clear essence: to create a "festival community and feel that there is a celebration in the city during those days." The concept has been created for enjoyment. For the audience, for other artists who come to see it, and for the artists who are part of the festival. "If you come, it won't go wrong, you won't make a mistake, it will make your day," encourages Alessandra to anyone who wants to attend the event which, for the artist, is not only a place of enjoyment but also of inspiration.

In this third edition, the festival has focused on "culture as a living and ephemeral monument, as are the live arts," says Alessandra. It also has a special focus on Latin America, the reason being to conceive the word native as people who have chosen Málaga to live, not just those who were born there. "It's a way to take care of the cultural diversity that everyone brings from their birthplace."

There are 14 works making up the Autóctonxs lineup this third edition in formats such as Impro in the Hall, Poetic Happening, Trial and Error, and New Dramaturgies. This year, the festival hosts openings in Andalucía like Torcidxs by Las Nenas Theatre and All the Saints by La Phármaco. And world premieres like Maja and Bastarda by Laila Tafur and Damned Bolero by Lula Amir. Among other vibrant and daring proposals that experiment with image, body, folklore, and documentary theater, all available at the Teatro del Soho.