ESCENA returns: Barcelona’s vibrant live arts circuit

An autumn season full of art in neighborhoods

The wait is over and ESCENA returns to combine the best of theater, dance, circus and live music in Barcelona. This circuit, which is part of the Barcelona Cultural District, is more than just a program of shows; it is an invitation to discover and enjoy art at its best in the city’s neighborhoods.

From October 10 to December 20, ESCENA has a busy schedule of 173 performances. Of these, 143 will be open to the public, while the other 30 will be aimed at schools, so that young people can find inspiration and get closer to art.

fall edition of ESCENA, the live arts circuit of Barcelona Cultural District.

A theatrical offer full of reflection and emotion

This fall, ESCENA presents seven plays that not only promise entertainment, but also invite reflection. Highlights include *Learn from Fire* by the Pierre Mendard Collective, which fuses reality and fiction in a story about Carlos Lehman. With its poetic and committed touch, it transports the spectator to Pinochet’s Chile.

Another proposal is *NODI: de perros y malditos*, a collaboration between Miriam Moukhles and Joan Sentís, which reflects the Catalan counterculture of the seventies. In addition, works such as *La cabeza en las nubes* by Xavier Bobés and *El enterrador* by Teatro de dos offer unique narratives that address themes such as childhood and historical memory, respectively.

Circus: a mix of acrobatics and poetry

The magic of the circus also has its space in ESCENA with seven incredible proposals. *Ayer está al caer* by Atónica Cie, dazzles with its clownish poetics about memory, while *Forat* by Dudu Arnalot transports the audience to a world full of comic and surreal situations.

Meanwhile, *Pelat* by Joan Català challenges the traditional boundaries of theater, circus and dance, bringing the audience closer to the show in an intimate way. And with *L’Y – ansia por volar*, Yldor Llach presents a show where acrobatics and wit intertwine, celebrating the poetry of movement.

Dance for all tastes

For dance lovers, ESCENA offers five captivating performances. Pau Aran opens with *Un cadáver exquisito II*, a piece that explores the passage of time through movement. The Concept’s *Historia de un salto* fuses contemporary and urban dance, challenging aesthetic limits.

La Quebrá, with *GLORIA: An Easy & Funny Work*, explores the duality of being, while Hortensia Laencina takes us on a journey through different dance styles in *Murcianik*. In addition, Silvia Batet and her company, with *Sacrée*, offer a show that combines strength and vulnerability.

Live music to feel the rhythm of the neighborhood

Music also plays an essential role in ESCENA, which is committed to local talent with a clear female presence. Maria Rodés with her experimental tints and Sara Aldana with her Colombian roots promise to set the highest note on every stage.

From the jazz of the Èlia Bastida Trio, to the Celtic roots music of Anna Amigó, to the sonorous atmospheres of Grabu, each concert guarantees unique sound experiences. All this together with the talent of Alba Careta, Henrio, and other outstanding artists that are part of this impressive line-up.

Culture for all: complementary activities and workshops

Beyond the performances, ESCENA provides the opportunity to dive even deeper into the culture with additional workshops, talks and activities completely free of charge. Sessions include immersive conversations such as *Momentos de danza*, led by Pau Aran, and masterclasses such as *El Alfabeto en el teatro de objetos* with Xavier Bobés.

These activities invite the community to be an active part of the creative process and reflect on the role of art in society. Each event seeks to create a space where everyone can share and learn, making culture an inclusive and accessible celebration for all.

In short, ESCENA not only provides quality art, but also enriches the cultural life of Barcelona, fostering a community united by the love of art. Reservations for these incredible shows are already open on the Barcelona Cultural District website, so don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this festival of creativity and artistic expression.