At the end of this summer (September 2022) the Gran Teatre del Liceu will change the appearance of its façade. Large steel doors (4×4 m and 550 kg) will cover the three main arcades. The work will be part of Jaume Plensa’s second gift to Barcelona, this time on the occasion of the institution’s 175th anniversary. The first was the Candela’s Head, located in front of the façade of the Palau de la Música.
Jaume Plensa’s work for the Liceu consists of three parts: Constel·lacions, Verdi’s Macbeth and an exhibition in the Saló dels Miralls.
Constel·lacions: the Liceu’s three main doors
The artist did not like the term door, as it carries with it a concept of closure or limitation. Therefore, in order to go beyond it, he devised Constel·lacions: these are large openwork steel doors, formed by alphabets, and which have a unique system of opening (upwards). This system means that, even when open, the doors cast shadows on the floor, creating a constant and changing visual poetry.
The work, painted in the colour of the moon, is a tribute to diversity (the everyday atmosphere latent in La Rambla), as well as to Dalí and Miró.
Verdi’s Macbeth: the opera
In 2023, from Thursday 16 February. A staging of Verdi’s Macbeth, directed by Jaume Plensa and conducted by Josep Pons, will be staged at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
Plensa presents us with a Macbeth that conveys all his strength and rawness in a different way. It is a work that has a bearing on the concept of “Sleep no more”, that phrase, which deeply marked the artist, explains that the murder put an end to the possibility of ever sleeping in peace again.
This Macbeth will be much more aesthetic, with less blood, but full of strength and symbolism. Like a contemporary and extraordinary dream, with characters made of alphabets.
Tickets are already on sale from 13 June at 10am.
The Saló dels miralls exhibition
In addition, from 16 February until 11 March 2023 you can also enjoy an exhibition on the artist at the Saló dels Miralls.
Jaume Plensa
Jaume Plensa (Barcelona1955) is an internationally known multifaceted artist with impressive works all over the world (Brazil, Singapore, Nice…). His stage productions with the group La Fura dels Baus also stand out.
The artist experiments with all the senses: from drawing and sculpture, to opera stages, video projections, acoustic installations…
His works are characterised by large sculptures made up of letters and numbers that tell stories. He usually works with cast iron, glass, resin…
The Gran Teatre del Liceu is the oldest active theatre in Barcelona (1847). A highly recommended visit if you plan to spend your holidays in our city. It will cost you very little to go and see it if you stay in one of the rooms at the Arc de la Rambla Hotel, as it is just a few metres from our hotel.
