The Teatro de la Zarzuela has announced a new Artistic Director.

The INAEM has designated Isamay Benavente, the current director of the Teatro Villamarta de Jerez. She was chosen from 26 candidates and will become the first woman to lead the theater in 167 years.

Benavente will succeed Daniel Bianco. She is the current president of the Ópera XXI, la la Asociación de Teatros y Temporadas Líricas de España.

The theater is currently performing “La violación de Lucrecia,” “Luisa Fernanda,” and “Trato de Favor.”  The season has shown productions of “Pan y Toros,” “La Celestina,” and “Policias y Ladrones.”