Lluc Oliveras: "My son is no longer attracted to Barcelona and doesn't identify with it as much."
Writer, screenwriter, photographer, composer, film and documentary director, and father of 16-year-old Rocco. He published 'El faro de las Ramblas' (The Lighthouse of the Ramblas) (La Campana), an evocative novel about Barcelona that shows its transformation from the early decades of the 20th century to the 1950s. He also published 'Confessions of a Barcelona Gangster', winner of the Rodolfo Walsh Prize at the Gijón Black Week.
BarcelonaMy son's vision of Barcelona is much more radical than mine. The city no longer appeals to him, and he doesn't feel as connected to it. When we go downtown, he experiences it as too touristy. The overcrowding stresses him out, and having to constantly be on the lookout for crime repels him. In fact, he would prefer to live outside the city, in a more relaxed environment.
I was not aware of that generational change.
— I lived in a Barcelona that was close to me, and I still have a nostalgic connection. For me, the city is full of memories, and this makes me more tolerant of change, although it saddens me to see how it has become depersonalized. Barcelona was a fascinating city, but because of the Olympics, it began to lose its romantic identity. The Barcelona of today is more like cardboard, even though it hurts to say so.
At first, the protagonist ofThe Ramblas lighthouse He's a boy, but from what you're saying, it's clear he's more inspired by you than your son.
— Lluïset has a lot of me in him, from my connection to both Tallers Street and the Gràcia neighborhood. My family was divided between these two areas of the city, and since I was a child, I've been nourished by the essence of the true Barcelonan. Lluïset has the same outlook that I must have had as a child. When I was older, when I was already a teenager, I saw the city from a more scheming perspective. In my twenties, I used to go out on weekends on La Rambla, in the Gothic Quarter, or in the Raval. There were record stores, clothing stores, bars where we would hang out, and more rock-style clubs. novel It is full of real life, of stories that, in one way or another, have created anonymous citizens who have never had a voice or a vote.
Where do you walk with Rocco?
— Since my son was little, I've tried to explore the city together to explain his roots and foster a bond, but I've found that much of the magic has faded. And it's difficult to pass on a legacy of citizenship when everything remains in memories that can't be made tangible. In the end, everything I tell him turns out to be Dad's adventures. Luckily, we've still been able to share walks around Gràcia, around the port, or go to the "Las Golondrinas" (Swallows), which come out more than once in the morning. novel.
What amazes you about how your child grows?
— I'm amazed that he's so different from what I thought he might be like. He has his own vision. He wants things I never wanted or valued. I'm surprised that, despite being so different, we also share a lot of our core values. It's important to me that he grows and develops into an adult who is aware of his surroundings, who knows how to live out his dreams and desires.
And what worries you?
— I'm more concerned about the environment he'll have to live in than he is about him. I wish the world were simpler and he could have more opportunities to develop and live a happy life. I have a feeling he'll have to struggle more than he should, and that it won't be easy for him to have good opportunities. But that difficulty is no excuse. Every generation has to overcome its problems, fight for a more balanced and fair life.
One day, his children discover the night.
— My son doesn't go out at night yet, but he's already experienced Friday Nightlife and has begun to experience the more extreme side of the city. I haven't gone out at night in many years, but I understand that he'll have to create his own corners and experience the city in his own way. We've talked about issues like alcohol, drugs, sex, and nightlife. He knows what I've experienced and deserves my trust for letting him do his thing. Our environments and times are very different, and prohibiting us can be counterproductive. He knows what's appropriate and what isn't. I trust his judgment.
A place you would go this afternoon with your son.
— Our memories are linked to strolls through Gràcia, to the toy and video game stores on Gran de Gràcia street. To meals at the Lucania pizzeria or at the Caleta de Gràcia neighborhood. For us, who also have part of our family rooted in the neighborhood, Gràcia is the place where we have most closely experienced a bond of community, warmth, and identity.