The play, premiering within the framework of the XXXIV Spanish Theatre Festival for Contemporary Authors Guillermo Heras, marks the first theatrical production project developed from a collectively authored text created within the university's classrooms. The presentation included the participation of the Vice-Rector for Culture, Sport, and University Extension, Catalina Iliescu, the Festival Director, Roberto García Prieto, and the co-author and director of the play, Noé Vicente.
'Authentic Student Experience' tells the story of four young university students selected to live in a simulation of the "authentic Spanish university experience designed for tourists' enjoyment," as explained by Vicente. The production offers a critical look at the reality faced by young people and their difficulties in accessing housing, questioning how far we are willing to go for a roof over our heads and how the platform economy has turned every experience into a consumable product.
The creation combines humor and dystopian elements to address contemporary social issues. The authorship is by Ana García, Claudia da Silva, Julia Lledó, Mabel Peña, Nico Murcia, and Sael Gil, in addition to Noé Vicente. Tickets for the performances cost 3 euros and are available through the Theatre Festival's website.
“"In the 34 editions of the Theatre Festival, we have been present by lending our spaces and hosting performances, but this is the first time we have promoted a theatre residency from which we write and produce our own play. We are proud of this because it represents a very important achievement for the University of Alicante and for Alicantinian culture."
The initiative strengthens the UA's connection with the Theatre Festival and expands university participation, transforming students into creators and protagonists of their own stage proposals. Roberto García Prieto highlighted the collaboration for the premiere and the creation of the Dramaturgy Notebooks, expressing hope for continued collaboration.
The project is part of the Vice-Rectorate's strategy to foster emerging talent, alongside other established initiatives such as the INTERACTUA program and the MUA Residencies. The UA's Publications Service will publish the Dramaturgy Notebooks, including the text of 'Authentic Student Experience'.
