On September 28, near the city of Vic, the premiere of Somni d’una Nit d’Estiu took place — a theatrical production that had been in the works for several months within the walls of an ancient 16th-century farmhouse. Here, at the Actors Space theater center, live volunteers from the European Solidarity Corps — young people from different parts of Europe who came to immerse themselves in the world of theater and eco-friendly living.
The choice of material was particularly fitting for this international group. How better to unite young Europeans than through Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, written between 1594 and 1596, registered and published in 1600? Could there be a more perfect match than this masterpiece that so brilliantly weaves together the threads of ancient mythology and literature with English folklore — much like these volunteers were weaving together their own diverse cultural backgrounds into a single artistic vision? The ancient fortified farmhouse where they lived and worked added another layer of authenticity, its centuries-old stone walls echoing the timeless quality of Shakespeare’s text.
The experience went far beyond traditional theatre training. Over several months, volunteers participated in three intensive week-long theatre workshops, learning stagecraft alongside experienced local actors. But their days weren’t confined to rehearsal spaces. They also immersed themselves in permaculture, maintaining the grounds of the historic property and connecting with the land that would eventually become their stage. This holistic approach — combining artistic development with ecological awareness and physical work — shaped not just their performance skills but their entire worldview. Some had never been on stage before, others brought theatrical experience, but all were transformed by this comprehensive creative journey. Together they learned to create theatre from scratch: from initial concept to props, from vision to set design. It was this multifaceted development and joint effort that made the performance memorable, as the line between professionals and beginners gradually blurred during long rehearsals, permaculture sessions, and discussions.
The director chose a format for the production that perfectly suited the spirit of the place. The performance took place on an open lawn, where the Catalan mountains provided a natural backdrop, and the audience sat in chairs under the daylight. When the first part concluded, the entire audience, along with the actors, moved into the forest, where ropes were stretched between the trees, gymnastic structures had been installed, and safety mats were laid out.
In the forest, nature became a full-fledged participant in the action. The actors performed acrobatic stunts among the trees, using every branch and element of the glade as part of the set design. The performance was conducted in three languages — Catalan, Spanish, and English — transforming Shakespeare’s comedy into a genuinely international dialogue.
The result exceeded the organisers’ and volunteers’ own expectations. The parking lot was complete long before the 5 p.m. performance start, with cars lining the road as residents came to see what these volunteers had created in their mountains. The number of spectators was a pleasant surprise, even for those who had been aware of the event in advance. After the performance, people were in no hurry to leave, standing in groups for a long time to discuss what they had seen and share their impressions with the actors. Many took photos in the very place where Shakespeare’s story had just been played out.
This evening demonstrated that theatre can transcend traditional boundaries and create entirely new forms of cultural experience when art, nature, and international cooperation converge.
