The garden of the Hesperides

An international production · Directed and choreographed by Alicia Soto

There is a hidden oasis in the confines of memory, a refuge where the sand of the Atlas Mountains and the Iberian stone merge into a single heartbeat. «"The Garden of the Hesperides"» It is not just a classic myth; it is the inner map of the universal woman.

Born from a deep process of social research through artistic residencies and creative workshops with local women from Spain and Morocco, this proposal raises a living sculpture on the stage through the language of the body, the root of Maghrebi digital music and the poetry of movement.

A hypnotic journey of resistance, mysticism, and shared rituals that travels through everyday darkness until it explodes into a luminous celebration of freedom.

V Centenario · 1ª Vuelta al Mundo de MagallanesThe show has obtained, due to its quality and theme, the seal of the V Centenary of Magellan's 1st Circumnavigation of the World, granted by the Ministry of Culture.

🏆 Award«Special Jury Mention awarded at the VI Baghdad International Theatre Festival (Iraq)»

🇮🇶

«"The mastery of the work is manifested in the unity of its intellectual, aesthetic, and dramatic discourse."»

Arslan Darwish · Kurdistan · Baghdad International Theatre Festival · October 2025

🇹🇳

«"A sensory and contemplative experience that dazzled the audience."»

World Theatre Festival · National Theatre of Tunisia · Backstage Newspaper, Tunisia

🇬🇧

«"The show is rich in dance imagery and emotionally very intense. The work emerges as a universal reflection on female identity and its narrative of liberation."»

Cristina de Lucas · Review of the London magazine Bachtrack

Why schedule this show?

Co-production and social research strategy

A vibrant cultural bridge between Spain and Morocco, forged through artistic residencies and co-creation workshops with women from both countries. The dialogue between these two shores enriches the aesthetics and mysticism of the work, making it ideal for folk festivals, diversity series, and institutional programming.

International critical acclaim and prestige

A show formally endorsed by specialized European critics (London's Backtrack) and selected with great success in the official programs of leading festivals in Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco and Iraq.

Universal themes of the highest relevance

A deeply committed proposal that addresses identity, emancipation, and global female solidarity. Its message resonates immediately with contemporary social trends and public programming criteria.

Multidisciplinary and synesthetic stage experience

A fusion of contemporary dance, stagecraft, spoken word, original lighting, and a carefully curated soundtrack with clear Maghrebi digital roots. It appeals to both dance enthusiasts and traditional theatergoers.

High-impact cast and universal language

Five actress-dancers from diverse cultural backgrounds break down any language barrier through the universal language of the body, transforming the stage into a malleable and powerful living sculpture.

Logistics optimization and technical sustainability

Its intelligent spatial design and calculated scenic austerity highlight the power of the performance without the need for large infrastructures. It offers excellent viability in terms of transport costs, distribution, and setup time.

Climax of great visual impact

The play concludes with an energetic explosion of jubilation and colored powder on stage. A powerful visual effect that leaves an indelible emotional impression and generates excellent word-of-mouth buzz among audiences.

artistic sheet

Created and choreographed by Alicia Soto
Playwriting: Alicia Soto, Julio Martín de la Fonseca, Carmen Samuelli Antaria
Theatre direction by Julio Martín de la Fonseca
Cast: Lorena di Calogero, Paloma Calderón, Sanae Assif, Ester Lozano, Alicia Soto
TextsCarmen Samuelli Antaria · Alaa Awal
Musical direction by Abel Hernández
Original musicAbdellah Mansouri
Lighting design by Eduardo Vizuete
Choreographic design and stage space by Elisa Sanz
Photograph by Luis A. Borges
Macropoint Trailer
Wardrobe and Hairdressing: Luis A. Borges
Institutional Image: José Navarro
Production: Marina Aranda · Julio Soto Romero
CommunicationPending update
Acknowledgments: Marina Aranda · Virginia Lirigayotona
A Hojarasca Danza production
Logos institucionales

Synopsis

artistic sheet

Project

See downloadable project resources in the right section

Videos del Espectáculo

Críticas de la prensa

World Theatre Festival · National Theatre of Tunisia

«"A sensory and contemplative experience that dazzled the audience."»

Backstage Newspaper · Tunisia · March 2025

«"With an innovative vision, Alicia Soto rewrites history and creates an inner space of freedom."»

Le Quotidien · Cultural Criticism · Tunisia · March 2025

«"A sensory and introspective odyssey through the meanders of the female soul."»

«"It affirms a deeply committed work, a bearer of emancipation and female solidarity."»

Arslan Darwish · Kurdistan · Baghdad Festival · October 2025

«"The mastery of the work is manifested in the unity of its intellectual, aesthetic, and dramatic discourse."»

«"A philosophical and poetic experience that conceives of space, time, and the body as interconnected entities."»

Hoshank Waziri · Kurdistan · Analytical Reading · October 2025

«"The work wages its feminist battle both aesthetically and intellectually."»

Cristina de Lucas · Bachtrack · London

«"A masterful spectacle formally endorsed by European critics. A universal reflection on female identity."»

«"The show is rich in dance imagery and emotionally very intense. The work emerges as a universal reflection on female identity and its narrative of liberation. The choreography created by Alicia Soto includes powerful images and symbols."»

Carlos Toquero · Theatre Critic · Valladolid · September 2020

«"A step forward in her career. A reflection on women of any background and ethnicity, from anywhere in the world."»

«"That island is inside every woman... The actress-dancers were very good. The original music, lighting, and direction were interesting."»

Margarita Muñoz Zielinski · La Verdad de Murcia · February 2021

«"Alicia Soto's choreographic work manages to create an authentic synesthetic experience for the viewer."»

«"That garden becomes the inner world of free, brave, strong, and independent women... The ending is an explosion of joy."»

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