Challenges in Catalan theatrical publishing
The recent closure of the prestigious Llibreria Millà has left a deep mark on the Catalan theatre scene. More than a decade ago, the economic crisis of 2008 marked a before and after in the availability of theatre books, with numerous bookshops closing their doors and a notable reduction in theatre editions. Not so long ago, emblematic venues such as the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (TNC) and the Teatre Lliure had their own bookshops, a reflection of a time when Catalan drama received more significant support.
The impact of book clubs
Recently, two prominent critics, Gabriel Sevilla and Oriol Puig Taulé, have underlined the importance of publishing dramatic texts in articles published in the magazine Entreacte and in El País. Sevilla, using data from the Catalan Publishers’ Guild, has revealed that only 0.9% of book sales correspond to plays. However, this percentage represents a small improvement compared to 2013, when the readership of plays was 0%. This change can be attributed, in part, to the ‘Llegir Teatre’ project, which has promoted reading clubs in several libraries in the country.
A reunion with Catalan theater
During Xavier Albertí’s tenure at the TNC, 465 works were published, in collaboration with the Arola publishing house, which played a fundamental role in the regular publication of theatrical texts. Although the TNC has continued this task under the direction of Carme Portaceli, the pace of publication has decreased significantly, with only seven new editions in the last season. Despite this, the desire to discover dramatic reading remains alive among a group of readers.
Editorial innovations that revitalize the genre
The publishing house Arola has been one of the few that has maintained a constant line of publication, with collections such as ‘Textos a part’ and ‘Teatre Reunit’. However, other publishing houses such as Adesiara, Bromera and Prometeu have started publishing theatre, contributing to the diversity of the genre. In addition, initiatives such as Sala Flyhard and Sala Beckett have opted to publish their own texts, creating spaces for new dramaturgies.
Collaborations that open new doors
The ‘Dramaticles’ collection, created by Comanegra in collaboration with the Institut del Teatre, has begun to offer both classics and contemporary works. This initiative seeks to revitalize theatrical publishing and has carried out a remarkable task to recover the legacy of playwrights such as Brecht and Chekhov. Collections of theater texts, especially those that have marked eras, are highly valued by students and professionals in the sector.
The future of Catalan dramaturgy
In an effort to revitalize theater in Catalan, Teatre Lliure’s new collection ‘Llum de guàrdia’, in association with Comanegra, promises to publish recently performed works, both in physical and digital format. The intention is that viewers will have access to the works simultaneously with their premiere, with the aim of ensuring that theatrical texts endure over time.
Voices that demand to be heard
In addition to ‘Llum de guàrdia’, the Institut del Teatre’s ‘Zona d’emergencia’ collection seeks to give voice to themes and authors that have been historically marginalized. With works that address gender issues and social taboos, this initiative joins the goal of diversifying the Catalan theatrical landscape, fostering greater inclusivity and representation.
Reflections on the path ahead
The current landscape of Catalan theatre is complex, but new publishing initiatives offer a glimmer of hope. The demand for dramatic texts has begun to grow, with greater acceptance in educational and cultural environments. The Catalan theatre community is at a crucial moment, where the capacity for resilience and adaptation can make the difference. Dramatic reading can, without a doubt, open new horizons and enrich the theatrical experience of future generations.