About Teatro Abril

Teatro Abril, founded by Julio Abril Valdes in 1898 as Salón Olimpia, experienced its golden decade in the 1920s with performances by numerous European companies specializing in zarzuela, operetta, and musical revues. Among these were Santa Cruz Company, Velasco, and the renowned Jacinto Benavente (Nobel Prize for Literature in 1922), along with companies from the Americas such as Unda Opera Company, the company of Esperanza Iris, Virginia Fábregas, and the Soler Brothers, among others. The presidential box was graced by all the country's leaders and their families, including Manuel Estrada Cabrera, who attended the celebration of the Centenary of the Republic of Guatemala.

After the 1976 earthquake, Julio Rafael Abril Unda rebuilt the theater’s facilities. In 1987, he was honored with the Order of the Quetzal, Grand Cross Grade, by President Vinicio Cerezo Arévalo, and the Order of Artistic Merit by Mayor Álvaro Arzú Irigoyen. The remodeling drew inspiration from various European architectural works, particularly Greek and Roman designs. Inside, one can find sculptures such as the Lion of Saint Mark from Florence, the Venus de Milo, the Apollo Belvedere, and Botticelli’s Venus. In the romantic lobby, visitors can admire the stunning sculpture of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, crafted by the Louvre Museum in Paris.

In 1991, tragedy struck Teatro Abril again when a devastating fire destroyed its facilities, completely damaging the stage, seating area, and dressing rooms. Just nine months later, theatrical productions resumed, and restoration projects began. Through a successful multi-year campaign, the theater modernized its lighting, sound, rigging, and stage equipment, bringing Teatro Abril to the forefront of special effects and professional performances. Today, the Teatro Abril, recognized as a National Tourist Interest Center and Historical Monument, is dedicated to promoting the arts through theatrical productions and shows for all Guatemalans.

 Luis P. Abril, Artistic Director, began his professional career on Broadway, collaborating with Jujamcyn Theatres during the iconic productions of The Producers and Jersey Boys, among others, in New York City. He later served as Assistant Director of Development at Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut.

Luis has directed musical productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, and Aladdin, working alongside distinguished artists. As a playwright, he has staged adaptations of The Odyssey, El Cantar del Mio Cid, and other works based on classic novels from world literature as well as on local stories.

Luis earned his BA Magna Cum Laude from the City University of New York and holds a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama at Yale University. He currently resides in Guatemala and California.