Paraguay’s theatre community gathered in Asunción for the eighth edition of the Premios Edda de los Ríos. The ceremony recognised actors, directors, playwrights, producers and productions that formed part of Asunción’s theatre scene during 2025. Barrunto emerged as the night’s leading production, winning three awards, including Best Play. Singer and actress Fabu Pop opened the Premios Edda 2026 with Primadonna, followed by covers and original songs.
Actress, singer, and television and radio presenter Lucía Sapena hosted this edition of the awards. The event took place at the Agustín Barrios Theatre of the Centro Paraguayo Japonés.
Barrunto leads the Premios Edda 2026
Barrunto finished the evening with three awards, taking Best Art Design, Best Director for Jorge Báez and the ceremony’s main prize, Best Play. The production, directed by Báez and written by Argentine playwright Mario Arietto, explores abuse, sexual harassment, power relationships and the boundaries between truth and suspicion. Noelia Ibarrola and Natalia Nebbia form part of its cast.
Accepting the Best Director award, Báez reflected on the collaborative nature of theatre and the relationship between performers and directors: “Someone once said that the director does not have to have all the answers. I think that is because the actor and actress illuminate the director’s work.”
Several other productions collected major prizes throughout the evening. No Somos Nada won Best Production, while Paola Irún received Best Original Script for La Revolución del Temblor. Berenice was named Best Short Play, and Gustavísimo 25 años de Humor received Best Comedy Show.
The awards also recognised different forms of Paraguayan theatre. Zarzuela Paraguaya Fascinación won Best Musical or Zarzuela, while Las Aventuras del Ratón Pérez received Best Children’s Theatre Production. Joayhu ha traición guerra aja was named Best Popular Theatre Production.
Paraguayan actors recognised on stage
Psicópata collected two awards during the ceremony. The production was named Best Comedy, while Ariel Galeano received Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance. Galeano used his acceptance speech to reflect on confidence and his development as an actor.
Guadalupe Lobo received Best Actress in a Leading Role for La Verdad Efímera. Rayam Mussi won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Largo Viaje de un Día hacia la Noche. Mussi also reflected on the importance of the human element of acting at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly present.
“When AI is taking over everything, it is important to recognise the actors who put forward their faces and their humanity,” Mussi said.
Meanwhile, Cambala collected two awards. The production was named Best Social Theatre Production, while Teresa Barriocanal won Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Director and writer Rodrigo Pastore Samaniego highlighted the production’s connection with Paraguay’s language and culture, noting that approximately 95% of its text is in Guaraní.
Honouring careers and Paraguayan popular theatre
Beyond the competitive categories, the Premios Edda 2026 also recognised people who have contributed to the development and preservation of theatre in Paraguay. Alan Jara received the Revelation Award for his emerging work as an actor, playwright and director. The award followed his involvement in several productions and his growing presence within Paraguay’s theatre scene.
Víctor Bogado received the Honorary Award in recognition of his career as an actor, director, teacher, researcher and founding member of the Centro Paraguayo del Teatro (Paraguayan Theatre Centre). The audience stood to applaud as actresses Techi Pereira and Eli Caballero presented the distinction.
“I still love my Paraguay,” Bogado said while accepting the award. “I returned to my country, and I will not stop coming back to my country.”
Popular theatre also received a special tribute during the ceremony. Alberto Sánchez Pastor, Roger Bernalbe, Katy Pacuá and María Luisa Garallo were recognised for their work preserving and sharing Paraguayan traditions and popular culture through theatre.
“Theatre is a reflection of what we are, those of us born in this blessed Guaraní land,” Sánchez Pastor said.
An In Memoriam segment also remembered members of the theatre community who died during the previous year. Actress, singer and visual artist Mona Airaldi accompanied the tribute with a live instrumental performance. The Best Dance Theatre Production category was postponed until the next edition because it did not reach the minimum number of eligible productions required under the awards’ regulations.
Complete list of Premios Edda 2026 winners
The 2026 awards recognised productions and performers across 17 competitive categories, alongside the Revelation and Honorary awards. The productions considered for this edition were presented in Asunción during the 2025 theatre season.
- Best Art Design: Barrunto
- Best Production: No Somos Nada
- Best Original Script: Paola Irún – La Revolución del Temblor
- Best Short Play: Berenice
- Best Comedy Show: Gustavísimo 25 años de Humor
- Best Musical or Zarzuela: Zarzuela Paraguaya Fascinación
- Best Children’s Theatre Production: Las Aventuras del Ratón Pérez
- Best Popular Theatre Production: Joayhu ha traición guerra aja
- Best Social Theatre Production: Cambala
- Best Drama: Anna Cappelli
- Best Comedy: Psicópata
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Rayam Mussi – Largo Viaje de un Día hacia la Noche
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Teresa Barriocanal – Cambala
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: Ariel Galeano – Psicópata
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Guadalupe Lobo – La Verdad Efímera
- Best Director: Jorge Báez – Barrunto
- Best Play: Barrunto
- Revelation Award: Alan Jara
- Honorary Award: Víctor Bogado
The Liga de Difusores Culturales de Asunción organises the Premios Edda to celebrate theatre in the Paraguayan capital and recognise the people behind its productions. The 2026 edition received support from the Secretaría Nacional de Cultura’s Fondos de Cultura 2026 and the Municipality of Asunción, among other organisations. The full Premios Edda 2026 will be available through the official Premios Edda YouTube channel.
Also read: How Paraguay’s Galoperas Inspired The World Skate Games ASU26 Medal.
