Barcelona theatre sees new premieres and rise in novel adaptations

The theatrical landscape in Barcelona is seeing a significant influx of new productions and a growing trend of literary adaptations. At Teatre Lliure, the production ‘Bouvetøya (La necessitat d’una illa)’, directed by Julio Manrique, will be staged as part of the venue's 50th anniversary. The work, a dystopia written by a collective including Manrique, Ivan Benet, and Cristina Genebat, explores themes of loyalty and friendship.

Additionally, Teatre Condal will present ‘Bons i dolents’, a comedy written by Joel Joan and directed by Nelson Vale.

Broadly across Europe, there is a notable shift toward adapting novels for the stage. In Barcelona, upcoming productions include adaptations of works by Carmen Laforet, Montserrat Roig, and Miriam Toews at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya. Other venues are also participating in this trend, such as Pol Guasch’s adaptation of ‘Relíquia’ at Lliure, and productions of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ at Teatre Romea and Franz Kafka’s ‘The Castle’ at Beckett.