A cultural evening in Madrid

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May 18, 2001

There is always something to do for the visitor who is interested in the cultural life of Madrid. Whether you are looking to spend an evening at the opera, theatre or simply visit the cinema, you will not be disappointed with the wide selection available.

It was during the mid-1980s that Madrid’s theatre scene started to flourish. The foundation of the Compañia Nacional de Teatro Clasico in 1985 was a significant event for Madrid. This company stages regular performances of the works of such Spanish greats as Lope de Vega and Calderon. The company is based at the Teatro de la Comedia which is at Calle Principe 14.

Madrid’s principal theatre is the Centro Dramatico Nacional at the Teatro Maria Guerrero at Calle Tamayo y Baus 4. The Sala Olimpia at Plaza de Lavapies is the place to go if you wish to see works by experimental theatre companies.

There are also various arts festivals you can visit in Madrid. In spring you can see the Festival Internacional de Teatro.

Here you will experience new works from overseas. During summer the Veranos de la Villa stages works from traditional flamenco, jazz and classical theatre to a range of childrens’ programs. Autumn brings the Festival de Otoño to the city. This festival specialises in staging various ethnic and experimental productions.

Zarzuela is a uniquely Spanish form of operetta. It comes in various forms. Some versions are light-hearted and others are serious. You do not need to understand the language in order to enjoy it. Its music and singing alone is sure to entertain you!

Visitors to Madrid can appreciate this kind of opera and ballet at the Teatro de la Zarzuela which is located at Calle Jovellanos 4. This type of opera can also be enjoyed at the Centro Cultural Conde Duque at Calle Conde Duque 11.

If you are interested in going to multi-purpose arts venues which also stage concerts and dance then you should stop by the Teatro Albeniz at Calle Paz 11 and the Teatro de Madrid at Avenida de la Illustracion.

The Auditorio Nacional de Musica at Calle Principe de Vergaras 146 is probably Madrid’s most prestigious concert venue. It is the home of the Spanish National Orchestra and Choir.

Most of the commercial films shown in Spain have been dubbed into Spanish. Numerous cinemas in Madrid, however, show foreign films in the original version with Spanish subtitles.

Madrid is a city of keen film lovers. Along the Gran Via one finds all of the large cinemas. They are well known for their large publicity posters. Cine Ideal is a cinema where you can view foreign films in their original version. It is located at calle Doctor Cortezo 6. At Calle Quintana 22 is Rosales, which is a popular art house cinema where many madrileños go to see subtitled films. Princesa, at Calle Princeza 3, shows both Spanish films and foreign films in their original version. During the heat of summer a good place to go if you want to watch a film is the old Cine Dore. It is at Calle Santa Isabel 3 and holds open-air screenings in its rooftop bar.