Theaters

In Madrid’s continued effort to expand cultural centers for locals and tourist alike, the local city council converted an old municipal slaughterhouse El Matadero de Madrid. 

My first visit bewildered me with the thought of how enormous the extension of space is here, and the magnitude of the production that must have been taking place while it was still operating as a livestock market.

Once past that first impression, you’re awe struck again, once you realize how the project has taken this space and turned it into an epic center for contemporary incentives. The center is fully operational where they provide entertainment for the general public, such as live concerts, theater venues, cinema and interesting exhibitions.

One of the aspects I’ve come to enjoy about Matadero Madrid, is that it’s constantly changing and updating itself, the activities and programs they offer are not necessarily for children, therefore adults will also have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and let themselves go for a couple of hours in between modern cultural thoughts and perspectives.

With all of the possibilities one might think that the entrance fee is expensive however, there is no cover charge to access the premises and visit the museums or their exhibitions.

Whether you’re into contemporary arts or not, this complex will surprise and please just about everyone, from the architectural transformation endeavor of the premises themselves, to the open spaces for a relaxing stroll. It’s just not the content of the arts center, it’s the arts center itself that will amaze you.

If you enjoy the fine arts of live performance, Microteatro por Dinero, presents an experimental and unique concept of theatrical production.

The idea is the following: Divide a complex into 5 small rooms, which are fitting enough for about 10  people at a time. Time limit each performance to a maximum of 15 minutes each, offer the spectator 5 different shows to choose from, and finally, set a low cost price per each show.

At the ticket booth you will find all the schedules of the “mini shows” and their consecutive performances throughout the day. The stories that take place are generally modern everyday situations or circumstances that we can relate to, portrayed with humor, tragedy or dramatic structure. Each show is direct and to the point and creating a subconscious impression as you take a break for the next session.

The concept is quite entertaining allowing oneself to break free from the traditional concept of theater, where the audience is separated from the main stage. The space where each performance is played out is reduced to a point where you feel that you are more part of the show or even part of the props.

It is has been an exhilarating experience to feel how truly up close and personal you are with the actors and a sense of wonder to think that you are more than just a mere spectator. It’s probably one of the highlights of Microteatro and one of the reasons people go back for more.