Teatre Grec

About

In the years leading up to the return of democracy in Spain, Barcelona's theatre scene saw the rise of an independent and avant-garde movement, breaking away from the conventional offerings of the time. In 1976, the Assemblea d'Actors i Directors (Assembly of Actors and Directors) organised a summer season of performances at the Teatre Grec, which had been largely abandoned until then.

That first Grec Festival was a self-managed, grassroots initiative and proved to be a public success. The Assembly ran the festival for two editions. In 1978, the festival was not held, but following the first democratic municipal elections in 1979, Barcelona City Council took over its organisation.

The festival gradually expanded, embracing international productions from 1980 onwards, which, along with support for local creation, became one of its defining features.

Over the years, the Grec Festival has extended its reach across various venues in Barcelona and has supported alternative theatre spaces and companies, while maintaining a balanced programme that appeals to a broad audience. The festival also works closely with the private sector.

In recent years, the festival has focused on emerging talent and experimental works, while also diversifying its offerings to include contemporary dance and circus alongside traditional theatre and music. Each edition often includes a thematic focus on a specific country.

- 1976–1977 : Assemblea d'Actors i Directors

- 1979 : Rafael Pradas & Joan-Anton Benach (Barcelona City Council)

- 1984–1985 : Joan Maria Gual & Josep Anton Codina

- 2017–2024 : Francesc Casadesús i Calvó