Fuerteventura Book Fair brings migration to the stage through contemporary circus in ‘Mahmud y no solo Mahmud’

The Fuerteventura Book Fair has added *Mahmud y no solo Mahmud*, a contemporary circus production by Puntocero Company, to its programme. It explores migration from a human, political and artistic perspective. The show will be staged on Sunday 18 October at 17:00 in the Symphony Hall of the Palacio de Formación y Congresos and is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over.

Admission is free, but advance booking is required via culturafuerteventura.es.

The production is based on the true story of Mahmud Traoré, recounted in the book *Partir pour raconter*, written by Traoré and Bruno Le Dantec. Through his testimony, the show traces the experiences of his journey from Senegal to Europe, a passage marked by uncertainty, exploitation and the struggle to survive.

Rather than simply recounting one person’s experience, the production focuses on the people behind migration stories and the circumstances that lead so many to leave their homes. The title reflects its aim to move beyond one specific story and bring visibility to the many other lives and experiences that remain out of the spotlight.

Directed by Zenaida Alcalde, with dramaturgy by Silvia Albert Sopale and Alcalde, *Mahmud y no solo Mahmud* combines acrobatics, physical theatre and live songs to bring Traoré’s testimony to the stage. The cast comprises Thomas King, Betiza Bismark, Elvis Kyengo Kakiti, Colins Ouna Opiyo and Joel Bwana Anabaka.

Founded by Zenaida Alcalde and Miguel Muñoz, Puntocero Company has developed its own stage language, bringing together circus, magic and physical theatre. Since its premiere at Madrid’s Teatro Circo Price in 2023, *Mahmud y no solo Mahmud* has appeared at venues and festivals across Spain, including dFERIA in San Sebastián; Fira Trapezi; the Badajoz International Theatre Festival; the Determinantes Festival at Teatro Circo Murcia; the Inaem Inclusion Days; Espacio La Granja; and the Temudas Festival.

With this production, the Fuerteventura Book Fair expands its programme with a work that connects the performing arts with memory, literature and social commitment. The show invites audiences to hear a real-life testimony, question simplistic views of migration and engage with a complex reality through human experience.

The Book Fair is organised by the Island Library Centre, which comes under the Department of Culture of the Fuerteventura Island Council, in collaboration with the Canary Islands Government’s Canary Islands Institute for Cultural Development. The regional government’s Vice-Ministry for Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children and Families is also participating.