Barcelona's vibrant theatre scene is experiencing a boom in its smaller, more intimate venues, offering a distinct experience from large-scale productions. These cosy spaces, often seating fewer than 100 spectators, are scattered across the city's districts, providing a close-up view of the performing arts.

Intimacy and Innovation in Sants

Director and playwright Àlex Rigola, known for his work at major venues like the Teatre Lliure and the Venice Biennale, sought to recreate the intimacy of rehearsal rooms. This desire led him to establish the Heartbreak Hotel theatre in the Sants district. This venue, with approximately 70 seats, focuses on highly intimate works. It currently stages "Return to Haifa", an adaptation of Ghassan Kanafani's novel, according to La Vanguardia newspaper.

Not far from Heartbreak Hotel, also in Sants, stands Sala Flyhard. This even smaller venue offers around 40 seats. Sala Flyhard serves as a creative hub for theatrical innovation and celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this year. Its directors, Clara Cols Torras and Sergio Matamala, have overseen numerous successful productions. Many of these have moved to larger theatres, embarked on tours, or even been adapted into films and television series. This week, audiences can still see "The Cricket" by Dani Amor and Serapi Soler.

"Where Theatre Beats" Initiative

Sala Flyhard and Heartbreak Hotel are among eleven venues united by the "On el teatre batega" initiative. This name translates to "Where Theatre Beats". The initiative aims to foster synergies between these theatres and their programmed productions. It also organises an annual call for new texts and projects. Additionally, it promotes the internationalisation of shows, particularly through connections with Latin America.

Diverse Venues Across Barcelona

In Poble Sec, at the foot of Montjuïc, lies Sala Dau al Sec. Mercè Managuerra directs this space, which opened in 2018. Its location in an old warehouse provides an open-plan area with many possibilities, accommodating between 60 and 90 spectators depending on the staging. Dana Carbonell Soler currently presents "Nine", a piece exploring identity shifts with motherhood.

Crossing Avinguda del Paral·lel, another unique space, Tantarantana, boasts over thirty years of history. It began in a different part of Ciutat Vella. The current building features two rooms and also functions as a creative factory. Under the artistic direction of Ferran Murillo, it currently offers "Big Fake" by Els Marquesets company. It also stages "A Paradise on the Border", written and directed by Àlex Castro Pizarro, starring Emma Delon.

Still in the Raval, Sala Fènix presents productions sometimes with fewer than 40 seats. Founded in 2013 and directed by Felipe Cabezas, it offers shows for both adult and family audiences. The venue also provides artistic residencies. Currently, Marcel Clement's science fiction piece "[AGON]IA" is running, performed by Cia. del Corb, the resident company for 2026.

Ciutat Vella's Historic Stages

Moving from the Raval to the Gothic Quarter, El Maldà occupies the first floor of Palau Maldà. This location is unique due to its setting and original decor. Directed by the Els Pirates company, it currently features "Scenes from a Separation". This play paraphrases Ingmar Bergman's "Scenes from a Marriage", performed by El Eje company.

Remaining in Ciutat Vella, but across Via Laietana, are Antic Teatre and Fundació Joan Brossa - Centre de les Arts Lliures. Semolina Tomic leads Antic Teatre, a cultural and social space. It reflects local community struggles and occupies a listed building now managed by the City Council. This weekend, "Crossing and Spell" by Diana Pornoterrorista, Rosario Veneno, and Andy Clark is on show.

At Fundació Brossa, performing arts coexist with art exhibitions. This fosters projects like the current "Portabella Cycle: The Provocative Agent". The venue started in a small space, with Herman Bonnín as a key inspiration. Today, it has expanded into the historic La Seca building. Maria Canelles directs visual and textual arts, while Georgina Oliva oversees performing arts.

Eixample, Gràcia, and Sant Gervasi Offerings

Heading into the Dreta de l'Eixample, Teatre Eòlia originated from the Centre Superior d'Art Dramàtic and is now a professional theatre. Under the artistic direction of Rosa Galindo, it currently features Nil Martín López's debut play, "The Labyrinth Designer". This piece explores young people forced onto clear paths without room for doubt.

At the edge of the Eixample district, Versus Glòries offers a versatile two-sided stage. Ramón Godino, Jofre Blesa, and Esteve Rovira serve as its artistic directors. Albert Triola performs the monologue "The Notebook Thief", directed by David Pintó, who adapted Gianni Solla's novel.

Near Passeig Sant Joan, Sala Atrium, directed by Raimon Molins, recently doubled its space and seating capacity. It also opened an integrated gastronomic area. The theatre now revives "Broken Coral", a show based on Vicent Andrés Estellés' poem. Marina Alegre Silva performs it, directed by Marc Chornet Artells.

Also close to Passeig Sant Joan, in the Vila de Gràcia neighbourhood, is Badabadoc. Directed by Guada Cejas and Àngel Grisalvo, it promotes artistic creation and research. Its current offering is the hybrid stage show "Overlooking the Sea" by Mariana Cabot.

Further north in Sant Gervasi, Teatre La Gleva has gained a sister venue, La Fàbrica, featuring two multi-purpose rooms. Together, they form Teatres del Farró, directed by Albert de la Torre and Daniel de la Torre. Xavier Albertí performs his self-written monologue "Beethoven", with collaboration from Albert Arribas. Functions have also started for "Robert" by Laia Alsina Ferrer, starring Robert González Ramírez.

Next to Plaça Francesc Macià, Teatre Akadèmia features a horizontal layout. Its structural columns provide many scenographic possibilities. Guido Torlonia, Fernando Solla, and Enrico Ianniello are the artistic directors. Currently, it offers a series of masterclasses as part of the Elsa Peretti Days cycle.

These small theatres are critical to Barcelona's cultural landscape. They continue to provide intimate, high-quality performing arts experiences, ensuring the city's theatre scene remains vibrant and accessible to all residents and visitors.

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Originally published by La Vanguardia Catalonia. Read original article.