If you’re a fan of theatre, you are in luck, because Barcelona has a rich offer of venues where you can see both contemporary and classic productions. There is one theatre in particular, though, who over the last 40 years was crucial in the development of the performing arts in the region of Catalonia – the prestigious Teatre Lliure.
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Table of Contents
History
Photo by tnarik via Visualhunt
Lliure translates from Catalan to English as “free” – not free of charge but relating to freedom. With the spirit of independence that its name mirrors, it was founded in December of 1976 by theatre professionals Fabian Puigserver, current director Lluís Pasqual, Carlota Soldevila and Pere Planella.
Anchored in the concept of theatre as public service, Teatre Lliure paved the way to non-discriminatory access to culture, while at the same time working to elevate the artistry of the performance. It was with this in mind that it became, in 1989, one of the founding members of the Union of the Theatres of Europe.
Today, while it has grown in stature and even physical presence, it continues to be guided by a great devotion to both the performing arts, and the audience with whom it intends to freely share feelings, thoughts and creative ideas.
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Going to the theatre
Teatre Lliure currently has two different locations in Barcelona:
Gràcia – The theatre’s place of birth continues to host a medium-sized room. Recently renovated, it still maintains the warmth and proximity with the audience that made it a desired stage for any actor to express himself on.
Address: Carrer Montseny, 47.
To get there by metro, take the green line (L3) and exit at Fontana. If you want to go by bus instead, numbers 22, 24, 28, 87, 114 and N4 will take you to Gran de Gràcia, while 39 and 114 will leave you at Torrent d l’Olla.
Montjuïc – Amongst green scenery, where the former Palace of Agriculture used to be, stands now, tall and proud of its heritage, the new building of Teatre Lliure, which has both a small and a large venue. This location also features a comfortable bar/restaurant on the terrace, which is perfect to provide you with a complete night of leisure and entertainment in Barcelona.
Address: Plaça Margarida Xirugu 1.
Photo via Pixabay
To get there by metro, get to Plaça Espanya using either the green (L3) or red (L1) line. As an alternative, if you take the green line, you can also exist at Poble Sec. When it comes to buses, numbers 13, 27, 37, 50, 91, 109, 165, N0, N1, N2, N13, N15, N53, EA, EN, H12, D20 and V7 will stop at Plaça Espanya, while 55 and 112 will leave you at Passeig de Santa Madrona.
Teatre Lliure is closed during August but will come back in September for the 2016-2017 season. Make sure to check their official website, where you can see its full schedule and buy your tickets. Are you going to visit this historical and influential Barcelona theatre? What performance are you most looking forward to seeing in Teatre Lliure? Let us know using the comment box below. Have fun and enjoy the arts!
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