Canadian intercultural theatre company in Victoria, British Columbia
The Puente Theatre is a Canadian theatre company based in Victoria, British Columbia, founded in 1988 by Chilean artist Lina de Guevara. It was the first Latinx theatre company established in Canada. While originally focused on Latinx voices and experiences, Puente soon expanded its mandate to include works by and about immigrants, newcomers, and equity-seeking communities from diverse backgrounds.[1]
Puente Theatre was founded in 1988 by Lina de Guevara as Canada's first Latinx theatre company.[1] Over time, its focus broadened to include immigrant and newcomer stories of all backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Canadian society.[2] De Guevara led as Artistic Director until 2011, when Mercedes Bátiz-Benét succeeded her.[3] Puente has been profiled in Canada Council's Artist Stories, highlighting its role as a cultural bridge company in Canada's arts ecosystem.[2] It was also featured in Living in Victoria as a notable arts institution in the city.[4]
Productions
Notable productions include:
I Wasn’t Born Here (1988), Puente's inaugural production exploring immigrant identity.[1]
Of Roots and Racism (1995), a landmark educational project addressing racism in schools.[1]
Emergence (2007), a multidisciplinary work by Kwakwakaʼwakw poet Krystal Cook.[1]
El Jinete: A Mariachi Opera (2014), written and directed by Mercedes Bátiz-Benét, at SummerWorks Festival in Toronto, where she received the Canadian Stage Award for Direction.[5][6]
Gruff (2014), a musical co-written by Mercedes Bátiz-Benét and Judd Palmer, with music by Judd Palmer and Brooke Maxwell; produced by Puente Theatre and later published by Bayeux Arts.[7]
Lieutenant Nun (2015, with SNAFU Dance Theatre), dramaturged and directed by Bátiz-Benét; winner of multiple Victoria Fringe Awards.[8]
Fado: The Saddest Music in the World (2018–2019, revived 2023 with Firehall Arts Centre), directed by Bátiz-Benét; winner of the JAYMAC Outstanding Production Award.[9]
The Party (2020), written and directed by Bátiz-Benét, commissioned by the National Arts Centre as part of the Grand Acts of Theatre program.[10]
Great Works Theatre Festival (2025–present), a summer repertory festival co-produced with Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre.[13]
WORLDPLAY (1999–2020), annual festival of staged readings of international plays at the Belfry Theatre.[1]
WORKPLAY (2008–present), a residency for emerging playwrights writing about identity.[1]
Bridging the Gap, a residency for established IBPoC female and gender-diverse playwrights.[1]
conVERGE Residency & Mentorship Program (launched 2018), an annual residency for IBPoC artists with mentorship and production support; winner of the 2021 CRD Community Impact Award.[1]
Recognition and impact
Puente is listed in CanadianTheatre.com's directory of theatre companies, confirming its profile within the national theatre community.[14] Its archival history is preserved at the University of Victoria's Special Collections.[15] Its profile in Canada Council's Artist Stories underscores its institutional significance.[2]
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