Fragmentation of a Culture: The Linguistic Policy of Valencian Theatres Based on a Review of Theatre Productions from 2008 to 2021

Abstract

What is the state of theatre in the Autonomous Community of Valencia? Is Valencian theatre considered part of Catalan theatre as a whole? To answer these questions, we must first take a short tour of the listings of the most important theatres in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, such as the Teatre Rialto, the Teatre Principal de València, the Teatre Talia, the Teatre Arniches in Alicante and the Teatre Principal de Castelló. The political context of the  Autonomous Community of Valencia during the years covered by this study must also be considered. The People’s Party (PP) governed the Autonomous Community of Valencia for twenty years, from 1995 to 2015. Then the government passed to an alliance between the Socialist Party, Compromís, and Podem. Has this change of government meant a significant shift in the cultural and linguistic policy of the Autonomous Community of Valencia? The theatrical exchange between Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Autonomous Community of
Valencia is very specific, which limits both the professional scope of actors, directors and playwrights and the economic viability of theatre companies. In terms of total performances in Catalan, we can say that they do not account for even half of the shows programmed in each season. By examining this data, we will be able to identify the linguistic criterion applied by the Valencian institutions and the theatrical repertoire offered in the Autonomous Community of Valencia.