'Barcelona calling Palestine' brings resistance through art to Catalonia's National Theater

For five days in April, Catalonia’s National Theatre (TNC) will be filled with stories of Palestinian resistance, as ‘Barcelona calling Palestine’ takes center stage from April 9 to 13. 

On Wednesday, the TNC unveiled the latest cycle of ‘Barcelona calling …’ and this year’s edition will offer a “glimpse into the Palestinian resistance through the lens of art.”

A total of ten performances, including theater, monodramas, immersive installations, concerts, and a talk will take place at the TNC.

According to the organizers, the world often sees Palestine only through images of “flames and bloodshed."

But through work, the artists offer a window into the “life and beauty of the Palestinian people, who persevere despite the hardships and daily humiliations.”

“We don’t want to reduce the Palestinian people to their suffering, but instead also show their joy,” explained Anne Goalard, the coordinator of the cycle during the presentation of ‘Barcelona calling Palestine.’

Carme Portaceli, the artistic director of TNC  told Catalan News that the performances will address “everyday” issues in order to break stereotypes.

“We will show the audience how the artists address beauty, homosexuality, and the birth of desire of a young woman,” highlighted Goalard.

‘Barcelona calling..’ is an “exceptional” project that, according to Portaceli is in the process of being exported to other theaters in Europe.

It is part of the Mediterranean season at the TNC, which intends to show what happens theatrically in other Mediterranean countries, one of the “main interests” of Portaceli, since becoming the artistic director.

Last year ‘Barcelona calling..’ focused on theatre in Lebanon.

Entrance tickets cost €10 per event and can be purchased here.