Directed by choreographer Víctor Manuel Ruiz, the production is based on the novel *The Tunnel* by Ernesto Sabato.
On Friday, October 2, at 7:00 PM, the Ángela Peralta Theater will host the premiere of *Castel*, a contemporary dance work created and directed by Víctor Manuel Ruiz, a member of the National System of Art Creators.
Performed by dancers Naima Toledo, Johnny Millán, and Kaleb Oseguera—talents hailing from the Municipal Center for the Arts—the piece translates literature into movement, atmosphere, and emotion. It explores mental health disorders, obsession, and social isolation through the character of Juan Pablo Castel.
For Víctor Ruiz, *Castel* represents a unique contribution to contemporary dance, bringing this adaptation inspired by Ernesto Sabato’s iconic work to the stage for the first time, supported by a high-caliber production that integrates music, lighting, and set design.
The piece moves from classical music to contemporary and abstract soundscapes. I structured the work with dramatic peaks and valleys to take the audience from a heavy theme and a climax of high tension to an operatic finale—a fitting conclusion for a tragedy. “The piece directly addresses mental health disorders and social isolation,” explained Ruiz Becerra.
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In this introspective production, dance serves as a vehicle for reflecting on how a loss of control and an inner void can lead to irreversible consequences, inviting the audience to connect—through empathy and understanding—with the most complex aspects of the human condition.
‘Castel’ addresses mental health through the sensitivity of dance
‘Castel’ tackles a topic of profound social relevance: mental health. The creator approaches this challenge with seriousness and respect, working from the premise that the body possesses innate wisdom and organically translates emotions such as love, hatred, obsession, and despair, thereby enabling the audience to empathize and fully identify with the characters.
This production was the result of a year of creative work and constitutes the second installment of a triptych developed with the support of the National System of Creators. The director is currently working on the project’s third piece, which will portray episodes from the history of Mazatlán through the art of movement.
Tickets are now available at the Ángela Peralta Theater box office at the following prices: Orchestra: $350.00; First Balcony: $300.00 and $250.00; Third Balcony: $200.00. Box office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
