Teatro a mil: ‘Cruzades’

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

As part of its international programme, Teatro a Mil 2025 presents ‘Cruzades’, a dance performance by Kukai Dantza featuring two dancers who express themselves through movement. While they share a common origin (the Basque Country), their traditions are quite distinct.

Nerea Vesga and Adriana Bilbao explore art from its foundational roots. Nerea Vesga is a dantzari (dancer in Basque) who expresses herself through a contemporary interpretation of her tradition, Basque dance. Adriana Bilbao was captivated by the magic of flamenco, and she uses it to express herself on stage.

The two women represent two styles of dance, two languages, two contemporary approaches to tradition. They communicate and connect with each other through dance. The difference in their roots and identities is not a barrier; rather, it presents an opportunity for those roots to flourish.

The work presents a reflection on different movements: Nerea with the almost aerial lightness of Basque dance; Adriana’s expressive arms and heels create a rhythmic percussion on the stage with her flamenco. It is a dialogue that reclaims traditions, emphasizing how they can both unite and set us apart – a shared yet unique history.

With support from the Etxepare Basque Institute, there will be a total of five performances from January 21 to 26, each starting at 8:00 PM. The shows will take place at Espacio Matta Cultural Centre in La Granja, in the metropolitan region of Santiago de Chile.