Strategy, movement, and theatrical tension converge in “Chess Tournament, Contemporary Dance,” the new production by La Infinita Compañía arriving at the Centro Nacional de las Artes from May 21 to 24, 2026, with an immersive experience where chess and contemporary dance collide on stage.
Directed and choreographed by Rodrigo González and Raúl Tamez, the piece transforms the strategic logic of chess into physical language, inviting audiences into a living chessboard where every move, confrontation, and decision becomes an act of emotional and physical tension.
One of the production’s most compelling elements is the integration of professional chess players performing live while dancers embody the pieces on a life-sized chessboard, reacting in real time to every move. The result is a singular stage experience where intelligence, strategy, and movement continuously interact.
The immersive atmosphere is elevated through scenic design by Mario Marín, lighting design by Aurelio Palomino, and original music by Edwin Tovar, creating a sensory environment where strategic thinking becomes a performative experience.
Beyond the stage production, the project will also extend into the competitive realm through public rapid chess tournaments held during the show’s run, reinforcing the dialogue between art and intellectual discipline. The tournaments will feature prize pools of up to MXN $20,000 per session and will be supervised by International Arbiter José Martínez (FIDE / FENAMAC).
The production is supported by Liverpool and IHG Hotels & Resorts, whose participation has been instrumental in bringing this multidisciplinary project to life.
“Chess Tournament, Contemporary Dance” will be presented at the Teatro de las Artes at CENART from May 21 to 24, with performances Thursday and Friday at 7:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 PM.
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La Infinita Compañía.
