When the theater is a refuge

LleidaThose of us who have the privilege of going to the theater fairly often see, day in and day out, that the percentage of gray-haired people in the audience is overwhelmingly high, with a few exceptions. Soothing.

25.4%. This is the percentage of today's young people who attend the theater more than once a year, according to the recently published Òmnium survey on the cultural habits of young people in the Catalan Countries. Culture in disputeThe study points to poor accessibility, an unattractive offering, and excessively high prices as the main causes. However, the report indicates that an encouraging 47.8% would like more performing arts offerings.

Ensuring that the performing arts cease to be the least frequented cultural activity among young people is one of the challenges yet to be overcome. If we want to attract young people, in addition to economic and educational policies, it is crucial to move away from adult-centrism, "focus on their needs and preferences," take them into account, and engage them with diverse works that speak directly to them.

October 15, 2023, 6 p.m. La Mercantil de Balaguer. That day, the auditorium had a different atmosphere and proudly displayed the presence of a younger, less gray-haired audience. The theater hosted IcebergThe winning proposal of the first edition of the Estrena't al Territori project, by the company Les Heyvan, was selected. This much-needed initiative was created to "break down barriers and promote emerging theater artists in the production of their first shows." Prior to the performance, an open rehearsal was held with the town's teenage students, fostering a connection with the piece. The spark had been ignited.

Iceberg It bluntly addresses "the precarious state of mental health among young people and the great taboo of our time: youth suicide." The seven actresses, aged between 18 and 20, give their all on stage to carefully, artistically, and collectively reclaim issues that society sweeps under the rug, beneath a symbolic iceberg, and that weigh heavily on their lives: social media, beauty standards, the education system, the sexual and emotional burden of fatness, anxiety, and self-imposed pressure. An impressive show. Yes! But also a refuge, "a hymn to life, to a life of dignity!"