The Sacseig Festival breaks records and attracts more than 500 spectators

Over 500 people attended the 3rd Sacseig Festival of performing arts for social transformation, an initiative run by Torrents d'Art at Parc Sanitari SJD, SJD Solidarity and uTOpia Barcelona.

The Can Felipa Civic Centre, Sala Beckett and Poblenou Moral and Cultural Centre were the venues for a record-breaking weekend in which art was used to promote discussion, emotional wellbeing and the fight against stigma and invisibility.

Performing arts to change perceptions

The festival came about with the goal of giving a voice to vulnerable people and groups. The productions, crafted at Sant Joan de Déu social and health centres, prompt the audience to think about the society we are building together.

Shows with a message

Theatre company Crisálida, which emerged from Parc Sanitari SJD, put on La Société for a capacity audience of students from various secondary schools at the Poblenou Moral and Cultural Centre. After the performance, philosopher Nacho Bañeras led a discussion on the issues raised by the play.

The Can Felipa Civic Centre hosted Finita la Commedia, a collective creation by Incursió Juneda with people cared for at SJD Terres de Lleida and the Talma Association. The play humorously and sensitively portrays the story of a theatre company given its last chance to perform.

One of the stand-out events was El cor és lliure (The Heart is Free) by the Escenificant Noves Realitats group made up of people receiving care at the Prison Psychiatric Rehabilitation Unit (UHRPP) in Brians 2 in conjunction with Dau al Sec. Written and directed by Rodrigo García Olza, the piece explores identity, vulnerability and hope through dance and theatre. The evening concluded with refreshments plus live music by Mireia Vilaseca.

Following an artistic residency with people receiving care at SJD Social Services Barcelona and the Ared Foundation, the Vulnus Arts Vives company offered a participatory experience: the audience was invited to build a house using street-found objects put in the centre of the stage while listening to words of encouragement and despair.

Also featured was I tu, com ho veus? (What Do You Think?), a co-creation by Torrents d'Art and EÒLIA Higher Centre for Dramatic Art with people treated by the Community Rehabilitation Service (SRC) and the Ciutat Vella Adult Mental Health Centre (CSMA) at Parc Sanitari SJD. The play brings mental health to the forefront of the conversation.

The festival wrapped up with Com vaig aprendre a conduir (How I Learned to Drive), a Sala Beckett production which addresses the complex relationship between a young woman and her uncle and shines a spotlight on the web of abuse.