Oriol Pla wins 2026 National Theater Prize

The Spanish Ministry of Culture has awarded Oriol Pla the 2026 National Theater Prize. The jury recognized Pla for his performance and co-creation of the production ‘Gula (Gola)’, alongside Pau Matas Nogué.

The jury described the work as a dazzling display of various arts and disciplines, specifically highlighting Pla’s virtuoso integration of clown language into theatrical performance. The production was noted for its technical excellence, originality, and its ability to connect with contemporary themes, earning acclaim from both critics and audiences.

Pla, born in Barcelona in 1993, has a background rooted in circus arts and the Lecoq school, incorporating mime, acrobatics, and dance into his work. He succeeds Angélica Liddell as the recipient of the award, which includes a prize of 30,000 euros.