In Rehearsals with Mar i Cel, Barcelona
Photo by Miquel Muñoz
Written by Laura for Theatre and Tonic
This past Wednesday, Theatre & Tonic was able to go behind the scenes and attend rehearsals for the new production of Mar i Cel that will premiere on the 19th of September in Barcelona.
The show originally opened in 1988 and it has had two revivals, in 2004 and 2014. However, this production will be its last, as Dagoll Dagom, its creative company, will be closing its doors once the season is over.
In short, I would describe Mar i Cel as Romeo and Juliet, but with pirates. It’s about the impossible love story of a Christian girl and a Muslim pirate during the 17th century, just after the expulsion of the Moriscos decreed by Phillip III, the King of Spain. It’s about prejudices, understanding, and above all, love.
Rehearsals began on July 22nd and the production has only recently moved to what will be its home for the next months, the Teatre Victòria.
During the rehearsal we were able to see the magnificent ship; not only is it huge, but it’s also able to move as if it was sailing the Mediterranean. We were able to see two scenes: one with young Saïd and his mother, played by Estel Aparicio and Clara Renom respectively, and the now mythical “Per què he plorat?” song, which I suspect is what we were all hoping to see! Alèxia Pascual and Jordi Garreta, who play Blanca and Saïd, blended their voices beautifully in what must be the musical’s best-known song. I can’t wait to see them in action!
Its story, incredible music, amazing scenography, and wonderful cast make Mar i Cel a must see this season. Don’t miss it if you’re travelling to Barcelona, this is your last chance to see it live! Mar i Cel will be playing at Teatre Victòria until February 2nd, and it has already sold more than 122.000 tickets as of now.
