Local Theatre Group Stages Shakespeare Tragedy
The Grup Escènic Nostra Llar, based at the parish community centre in Poble Nou, Manresa, is staging William Shakespeare’s King Lear with local amateur actor Joan Torrens (b. 1949) in the title role. This marks the group’s first foray into Shakespearean tragedy after previously performing the comedy Much Ado About Nothing in 2023.
Sold-Out Run Adds Extra Performances
Initial performances were scheduled for Friday 2 October and Saturday 3 October at 8pm, with matinees on Sundays 4 and 11 October at 6pm. Due to overwhelming demand, selling out “much earlier than usual”, two additional shows have been added: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October at 6pm. Tickets are available via the official portal ticketing.com, and further performances may be announced for the fourth weekend of October.
77-Year-Old Actor Embraces Challenging Role
At 77, Torrens describes the emotional demands of playing Lear as immense, saying he finishes each rehearsal “worn out” because it is “an insane play.” He has pulmonary emphysema due to past smoking, so director Jordi Gener has adapted staging to allow him to remain seated where possible. Despite physical limitations, Torrens said he is enjoying the challenge: “I don’t climb peaks, I climb mountains, and when you reach the top, it’s worth it.”
I don’t do peaks, I climb mountains, and the consequence is that you reach the summit.
Torrens had considered retiring from leading roles after starring in Play Strindberg in 2021. The offer to play Lear began as an informal conversation, which he initially thought was a joke. After seeing a previous production by the group, he asked if the proposal was serious, and accepted.
Director Praises Casting as Essential
Jordi Gener, who has directed all productions at the Poble Nou venue since 2008, said casting the right actor was crucial: “You can’t do King Lear without the right actor. I believe Manresa deserves to see this Lear.” The production features a large cast of 23 performers to support the play’s complex subplots and ensemble scenes. Among them are new faces such as Edu Reguant from Súria and Javi Soler from La Crica. Behind the scenes, Dolors Baró handles costumes, Esther Castellana leads makeup, and Lluís Vilalta designed the mobile set. To maximise space for 23 actors in a small hall seating only 54 spectators, the stage was removed entirely to create a flat performance area. Torrens welcomed the intimacy: “I love having people right in front of me, I’m not afraid of it.”
Shakespearean Drama with Moments of Levity
Though King Lear unfolds into cosmic tragedy, Torrens notes the production will include touches of humour, sword fights, and even songs. The full performance runs for two and a half hours, including one interval. The play explores a king’s downfall after dividing his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love, a tale that begins like a children’s fable but spirals into chaos.
Reported by regio7.cat, ticketing.com, Regió 7.
