The building that now houses the new Teatre Raval is not just a stage, but a silent witness to the neighborhood’s social evolution. Its history dates back to 1930, when it was originally built as the theater of the Mare de Déu del Carme parish. For decades, this space was part of the city’s network of parish theaters, serving as a hub of social and cultural cohesion for residents of the area near Plaça del Padró.
After hosting various artistic projects over nearly a century, the theater went through a significant 17-year period of previous management that recently came to an end due to difficulties stemming from a lack of public funding. It was in September 2024 that the company Oblideu-vos de nosaltres, led by Pep Tosar and Evelyn Arévalo, decided to acquire the license and take on the challenge of restoring this historic venue to its former glory, signing a 15-year operating contract with the parish.
A structural and aesthetic renovation
The reopening in 2026 was made possible after two years of administrative silence and intensive renovations. The work was not superficial; according to those in charge, a comprehensive renovation was carried out that affected both the basic structure and the aesthetics of the venue. The goal was to transform an aging space into a state-of-the-art facility that complies with all current legal regulations.
This renovation process has allowed for the optimization of the building’s layout, creating the hierarchy of spaces that is being unveiled today. The comprehensive renovation, which began in July of last year, involved an investment that tripled the initial budget to bring the venue into compliance with current regulations and technical requirements. In the main hall, the Tadeusz Kantor, with a capacity for nearly 200 spectators between the stalls and the amphitheater, a new fly system, state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, and an expanded stage whose proscenium slightly exceeds that of the Teatre Romea have been installed.
For its part, the Espai Damià Huguet debuts as a neighborhood multipurpose venue with a literary cabaret layout and a capacity for 50 people. This space, which will also function as an exhibition hall, will house the theater bar, managed by the well-known Riquiño tavern. Its theatrical season will begin on May 22 with the play *Set maneres de ser Hamlet* by Josep Pere Peyró.
Diverse programming and a commitment to community
Tosar and Arévalo’s artistic project was born out of a desire to transform the theater into a cultural hub with a five-day-a-week program (Wednesday through Sunday). The roadmap includes the premiere of two in-house productions each year and the hosting of external companies. Among the confirmed events are:
Live music: The La Gran Blue Nit series, which will kick off with jazz pianist Elisabet Raspall.
Léon a la terra dels homes: A play based on Saint-Exupéry starring Miquel Gelabert and Óscar Intente (starting May 19).
L’enterrador: A monologue on historical memory performed by Pepe Zapata (June 27–July 26).
Family shows: Such as Sergi Buka’s L’impossibilista during the month of June.
Lorca opens its new theater
The official reopening was marked by the premiere of Federico García, a multidisciplinary production celebrating ten years since its debut at the Grec Festival. This production, which will run until July 26, features a large cast including dancers José Maldonado and Rubén Molina, singers Mariola Membrives, Anna Colom, and Ana Brenes, as well as guitarists, percussionists, and Tosar himself, in a journey that blends the life and work of the poet from Granada.
