Theatres
Barcelona's theatres at a glance
Barcelona's theatre scene has flourished greatly in recent years. Major world-famous plays and musicals are preformed here. Moreover, a theatre scene with popular plays, a wide variety of performances for the general public and alternative theatres have become established over the years. The theatre scene these days is very impressive; with audiovisual shows and performances by regional and international artists and ensembles.
Theatre is an integral part of Barcelona’s cultural calendar, and enjoys a very good reputation with both locals and visitors. In many theatre houses modern pieces are performed, as well as classical pieces in Catalan. But you can also visit numerous performances in Spanish, English or other languages.
Today's repertoire is very varied and ranges from classical opera – for example the largest Wagner Festival held outside of Bayreuth takes place in Barcelona – modern dramas, comedies, musicals, alternative theatre, dance and much more.
Theatre scene in Barcelona
La Ciutat del Teatre
One of the main venues for the performing arts in Barcelona. The Ciutat del Teatre, the theatre town, at the foot of Montjuïc, holds many of the leading productions of the city within its imaginative spaces. Among others here, the Mercat de les Flors is home to the Municipal Theatre, which focuses mainly on dance. Likewise, the complex also includes the permanent seat of the Teatre Lliure, one of most famous performing arts ensembles in the world. The Lluire is housed in the former Palace of Agriculture for the 1929 World Fair. Next, visit the site of the BTM (Barcelona Teatre Musical), the acting school for actors and directors and other cultural institutions. About 200 metres from the Ciutat del Teatre you can find Teatre Grec, a Greek-style amphitheatre.
Actual Theatre Scene
For a long time theatre in Barcelona was in the shadow of the Madrid theatre world. Barcelona had to close several theatres, as the repertoire represented mainly old classics and offered little variety. The public were attracted to cinemas rather than theatres. Several theatres were therefore converted into cinemas.
In the 1980s a wave of renewal began. Theatres were newly opened or reopened. This trend continued into the 2000s. Two initial highlights included the opening of the Catalan National Theatre (TNC) in 1997 and the new construction of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Opera in 1999. In association with the renewal, theatre companies were formed, adopting modernised technology and content. The best-known companies are the "Grup Focus", "tricicle (3xtr3s)" and the "Grup Balaña", which also operates some cinemas.
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