Basque theatre

Basque theatre today can boast a number of authors. Their original works or ones translated into Basque are performed every year.

''Libertimenduak'' - Donapaleu (2012 - cc-by-sa Nahia Garat)
''Libertimenduak'' - Donapaleu (2012 - cc-by-sa Nahia Garat)
The pastoral is a kind of theatrical spectacle which tells a story. It is acted in the open air and the performance is sung throughout.

Each year a different village in Zuberoa is chosen for the preparation of the pastoral. It is performed twice, always in summer.

This form of popular theatre dates from the Middle Ages. The plays plot basically consists of extolling the virtues of well-known figures (kings, saints, and so on) and in recalling various historical events.

From the Middle ages to our days the characters have been based on famous Basques or world social and political events

Both the mascaradas of Zuberoa and the kabaldakak from Navarre are expressions of street or popular theatre. Dancing is an integral part of the spectacle.