From the Festival Directorate to New Horizons
Cesc Casadesús, born in 1964 in L’Esquirol, has been a key figure on the Catalan art scene. After having led the prestigious Grec Festival for several years, he has decided to take a step towards the Teatre Lliure, where he will collaborate with Julio Manrique. Casadesús has managed to position the Grec alongside other fundamental institutions such as the Teatre Nacional and temporada Alta, modernising its approach and expanding its sphere of influence in Barcelona.
A Balance Sheet of Eight Years
The Last Grec: An Intense Experience
As the 2024 Grec Festival draws to a close, Cesc Casadesús reflects on his career. ‘These days are a marathon,’ he says, alluding to the intensity of the event. Each edition has been an opportunity to materialise his artistic ideals.
Adaptation and Resilience
Since its arrival in 2017, the cultural landscape has evolved significantly. Casadesús has faced challenges similar to storms at sea, especially during the most critical moments of the pandemic, where the support of a committed team became essential.
Defining the Grec
A Connection with the City
The Festival has always been a reflection of Barcelona life during the summer. Casadesús shares that his goal has been to infuse a strong identity to the Grec, promoting local artistic creation and seeking a balance between the diverse cultural expressions of the city.
The Dynamics of ‘In’ and ‘Off’
Addressing the concept of ‘in’ and ‘off’ at festivals, Casadesús provides an interesting perspective, comparing the Grec with other international festivals. In order to maintain the authenticity and freedom of the venues, he argues that collaboration is key.
Fostering International Partnerships
Throughout his tenure, he has sought to create bridges with festivals around the world, from Athens to New York, thereby inserting the Grec into a global cultural network. Each alliance has been designed to enrich the festival’s offering and promote lesser-known artists on the international scene.
Reflections on the Future of Theater in Barcelona
The change of direction at Grec
With the arrival of Leticia Martín Ruiz at the helm of the Grec, Casadesús has played an advisory role, providing his experience to the new management. The transition promises to bring a fresh air to the festival, while he embarks on his new challenge at the Teatre Lliure.
The Free Theatre: A Future of Collaboration
His new role at Teatre Lliure will be essential to strengthen his commitment to the community. Casadesús focuses on the importance of art accessible to all, particularly people with disabilities, in collaboration with initiatives such as Alma Lliure.
The Role of the Cultural Manager
Cesc Casadesús concludes by identifying the importance of a cultural manager who, without wanting to take the place of the artist, works to ensure that creation and stage production are viable and sustainable. ‘It is essential that culture is important for people,’ he says.
Barcelona’s cultural life continues to evolve, and figures like Casadesús play a crucial role in this transformation, promoting a constant dialogue between artistic creation and society.