Markeliñe brings family-friendly outdoor theatre show ‘Artilusio’ to Villajoyosa

The iconic gardens of the Barbera dels Aragones in Villajoyosa will transform into a stage of pure wonder on Saturday, September 5, at 7:30pm, as renowned Basque theatre company Markeliñe brings its highly acclaimed, family-friendly outdoor show, Artilusio, to the coastal town.

A book-powered machine of dreams

This 55-minute performance centres on a whimsical contraption powered by two distinct elements: classic literature and the beating heart of Greta, a sweet, extravagant, and entirely unpredictable old woman. Greta spends her days exploring her cherished personal library of stories, continuously pulling her devoted caregiver, Pina, into a world of fantastical adventures and theatrical mischief.

As books are fed into the marvellous machine, the stage will come alive with legendary literary figures, magical lamps reminiscent of One Thousand and One Nights, and imaginary voyages across the globe.

Creativity, literature, and human connection

With the performance, Artilusio will deliver a thoughtful, multi-layered message about creativity, literature, and human connection. The show champions simple, imagination-driven play over modern digital distractions, illustrating the idea that active toys create passive minds, whereas simple stories require active, creative thinkers. Beneath the playful set pieces and slapstick moments, the narrative also tenderly highlights the deep bond between Greta and Pina, reminding audiences of the immense value of companionship, patience, and care for older generations in our communities.

Event details and how to enjoy the show

Organised as part of Villajoyosa’s rich cultural calendar, this open-air performance will take place at the Auditori and Jardin de la Barbera dels Aragones, running for 55 minutes in the evening. The show is completely free to attend and open to the public, making it an ideal weekend activity for families, residents, and visiting tourists alike.

Combining expressive performances, inventive prop design, physical comedy, and a vibrant soundtrack, Artilusio promises to captivate audiences of all ages, offering a heartwarming celebration of storytelling, ageing with grace, and the timeless magic found within the pages of a good book.

“Artilusio is an invitation to play with simple things. Active toys create passive minds, and passive toys create active minds,” states the Villajoyosa Town Hall about the heart of the message of the show.