El impacto de la politica teatral en el teatro de la ciudad de Barcelona (1980-2000)

Abstract

This thesis analyses the impact of cultural policy-making in the theatre of Barcelona between 1980 and 2000. It investigates the extent to which cultural policy implemented by governmental bodies has shaped the theatrical landscape of the city, and considers whether these institutions have had a positive role in the development of the city’s theatrical life in this period, or whether their impact should be perceived as political intervention, prejudicing principles such as artistic freedom. The three main institutions that have an effect on the city's cultural sphere (the regional government, the provincial authority and Barcelona City council) are examined in terms of the aims of their policies in relation to theatre and the interaction between them, focusing particularly on issues such as national identity, linguistic policy and the relationship between the public and private sectors. Special attention has been devoted to the development of flagship projects set up during this period (the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya and the Ciutat del Teatre). The study shows that the institutions' cultural programmes have been moulded by specific political agendas and have influenced all areas of theatrical activity, both those managed or controlled by public bodies and in the private sector. The second part of the thesis identifies the specific impact on various aspects of the production of theatre in the city, focusing on theatre companies, playwrights, the private sector, theatre spaces and audiences. Finally, the study concludes that, on the whole, governmental bodies have had a major impact in the development of Barcelona's theatrical life. Nevertheless, this influence has not made use of the city's natural theatrical resources (creativity, infrastructure and high audience numbers); instead, the institutions have developed their own projects and politicised existing ones in order to exert control over the city's theatrical system.