Ignatius Farray will lead a unique artistic residency for comedians on the Isla Bonita.
The Palmero Comedy Festival Desaquellados, organised by the Cabildo and Sodepal, announces the opening of the registration period to participate in the Palmera Comedy Academy, an artistic residency that will be held from 24 to 29 June 2025 in different venues on the island of La Palma and will be directed by the renowned comedian Ignatius Farray.
The Academy, which will take place within the framework of the festival, was created with the spirit of offering a transformative experience to comedians and theatre-makers from all over Spain who wish to explore their creative potential in contact with the natural, human and emotional environment of La Palma. Under the motto "don't come to make an effort, but to give yourself", the proposal is committed to coexistence, introspection and connection with the idiosyncrasies of La Palma as tools to find a new comic perspective.
For five days, the selected people will take part in writing and performance workshops, creative routes and walks, meetings with local people and a final performance on the Festival's main stage on Saturday 28 June, where they will share the fruits of their artistic process with the public.
"From the Cabildo de La Palma we firmly believe in the power of humour as a tool for cultural dynamisation, personal and economic development", says Miriam Perestelo, Councillor for Economic Promotion and CEO of Sodepal. "The Palmera Comedy Academy will not only attract talent to our island, but will also allow the soul of La Palma - our way of looking, speaking and laughing - to be part of a first class creative process", adds the councillor.
The residency will be directed by Ignatius Farray, a key figure in contemporary Spanish comedy, accompanied by Petite Lorena, the Festival's artistic director, and a team of professionals from the world of humour and the performing arts.
"We invite all comedians and theatrical performers in Spain and especially those from La Palma to participate in this residency, which is also a way of continuing to position the beautiful island as a space for living and creative culture", adds Perestelo.
Open call
Participation is open to people of legal age and resident in Spain, with experience in comedy or theatre, who wish to live this experience of creative search and personal transformation. The complete rules and requirements for registration are available on the official website of the Festival and Sodepal.
Applications should include a short biography, a one-minute motivational video and social media links if available. The organisation will cover accommodation and subsistence expenses, and will pay a stipend of €600 gross to each participant.
The registration period will remain open until 17 June 2025 and can be made at https://sodepal.es/festival-desaquellados-solicitud-de-inscripcion