Culminating half a century of theatrical passion
Anna Rosa Cisquella, the mastermind behind Dagoll Dagom, fondly recalls the day tickets went on sale for her iconic musical, ‘Mar i cel’. Placing a bet on how many tickets would be sold, her prediction of 50 turned out to be a significant underestimate, as over 2,000 tickets were sold in just one day.
Preparations for a historic premiere
As the Teatre Victòria prepares to welcome this classic back, the atmosphere is electrifying. Rehearsals have already begun, and the famous ship that symbolises the musical takes centre stage. Starring Jordi Garreta as Saïd and young star Alexia Pascual as Blanca, the show promises to revitalise Àngel Guimerà’s original work.
A new interpretation
Cisquella says that, although the essence of the musical remains the same, this new version offers an unrivalled freshness. ‘The content is the same, but the energy of the actors brings a new dimension,’ she says. The director highlights the high quality of the casting, which attracted more than a thousand applicants, making the selection a difficult but rewarding process.
Mixed emotions in the farewell
As the premiere date approaches, Cisquella and Miquel Periel are faced with conflicting feelings. The sadness of closing a 50-year cycle is mixed with the satisfaction of presenting a show that feels relevant and vibrant. ‘It’s a moment of farewell, but also of celebration,’ reflects Cisquella.
A timeless message
‘Mar i cel’ is not just a musical about pirates, but a reflection on intolerance and cultural conflicts. Its love story between a Christian woman and a Moorish corsair resonates with contemporary challenges. Cisquella points out that, although it was written in 1988, its message about the conflict between East and West is still relevant today.
The future of the ship and the legacy of Dagoll Dagom
The company has decided that there will be no tours after the last show. However, Cisquella leaves open the possibility that another company might dare to revive ‘Mar i cel’ in the future. ‘The boat is emblematic and essential to the work,’ he says, while reflecting on how to preserve this symbol for future generations.
Reflections on the theatrical journey
‘How have we managed to survive for so long?’ Cisquella asks. The answer lies in the constant innovation and fun they have found in each project. After 50 years, Dagoll Dagom leaves an indelible mark on Catalan theatre, and although they say goodbye, their legacy will live on in the cultural memory of the country.
