đ· The Tapa Weekend: November 15
Pillars of the Earth in musical version, an LGBT film festival and the return of the Meninas.
By @IanMount and @AdrianBono | November 15, 2024 | Madrid | Issue #75
đ Welcome to a new issue of The Tapa: Weekend Edition! An English-language newsletter about what to do this weekend in Madrid (plus memes!)
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Here Are 5 Things to Do in Madrid This Weekend
Itâs Friday again!
And while weâre counting the days until the Madrid Christmas lights, here are a few options for you this weekend. (Also, can you believe Christmas is five weeks away?)
Enjoy!
1. đŒ The Pillars of the Earth: The Musical
Long before people fell in love with A Game of Thrones, another book about knights and other Gothic stuff took the world by storm. The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett, was a literary phenomenon that won awards, sold 26 million copies and achieved global popularity thanks to its complex storytelling and historical context.
There was even a miniseries and a game about it! So we guess that, when youâve exhausted all other creative possibilities, the next logical step is the musical adaptation.
Since this novel is a favorite in Spain, The Pillars of the Earth: The Musical is now opening in Madrid with 27 performers on stage, including well-known actors such as Teresa Ferrer, Cristina Picos, Javier Ariano, and Alex Forriols.
Its unique immersive setup is enhanced by AI, creating an expansive medieval atmosphere in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. Composer IvĂĄn MacĂas, known for The Physician musical, collaborated with playwright FĂ©lix Amador on this production.
AndâŠGlobal Glasses has introduced augmented reality glasses for real-time translation, initially available in English and Chinese, with more languages coming soon.
These glasses ensure accessibility for those who donât speak Spanish, providing an uninterrupted experience even during long performances.
The Pillars of the Earth: The Musical. Teatro EDP Gran VĂa, Gran VĂa 66, Madrid. Through Feb. 2. Check website for show times. Tickets start at âŹ18,40.
2.đ„ LesGaiCineMad 2024: An LGBTIAQ+ Film Festival
Madrid is hosting the 29th edition of LesGaiCineMad, the leading LGTBIQA+ film festival in Spain, featuring a diverse selection of films focused on affective diversity, continuing the festivalâs legacy of promoting inclusion and representation.
The poster for the 2024 edition (see above) features iconic actress Itziar Castro (who passed away last year), paying tribute to her impactful roles in portraying lesbian women on screen. Her presence on the poster this year underscores her important contribution to LGTBIQA+ cinema and representation.
LesGaiCineMad has become an essential platform for showcasing Spanish and Latin American LGTBIQA+ productions to a global audience. By discovering, subtitling, and premiering films, the festival connects Spanish-language LGTBIQA+ cinema with international distributors, buyers, and festival organizers.
The festival features competitive categories for feature films, shorts, and documentaries. Audiences vote on their favorite films, and since 2003, Jury Awards have also recognized films based on cultural, aesthetic, or social contributions.
If youâre into film festivals, do not miss this one.
LesGaiCineMad 2024. Through Nov. 24. Multiple locations around Madrid. Check website for additional information. Tickets: âŹ4
3.đš Meninas Madrid Gallery 2024
The Meninas are back! (Has it really been a year already?)
VelĂĄzquezâs iconic ladies return to the streets of Madrid this week for the seventh edition of the Meninas Madrid Gallery, an initiative that brings around 30 statues, each 1.8 meters tall, to public spaces across the city, featuring designs by notable figures in music, entertainment, fashion, gastronomy, sports, and social media.
These great interpretations of Las Meninas, the famous ladies-in-waiting from VelĂĄzquezâs legendary painting of that same name, create a unique open-air art display throughout Madrid. As with previous editions, the Meninas will be auctioned after the exhibition, either in-person or online, unless directly awarded to sponsors or donated to institutions. 80% of the proceeds will go to charitable foundations and associations chosen by the organizers.
The 2024 edition includes contributions from: Hombres G, singers Chenoa and Karina, journalist Susanna Griso, chef Cristina Oria, and businesswoman Paloma Cuevas. Young artists from Gaudem School, seniors from the Acuario Senior Center in Barajas, and students from Francisco de Vitoria University also participate through projects that blend tradition and modernity, showcasing diverse artistic and generational perspectives.
The 30 statues will be displayed across the Centro, ChamartĂn, ChamberĂ, Moncloa-Aravaca, and Salamanca districts. You can check the website below for their exact locations.
The best part is they are very Instagram-friendly, so go take a photo with them!
Meninas Madrid Gallery 2024. Multiple locations around Madrid. Check website for additional details. Through Dec. 15. Free admission.
4.đŠžđ»ââïž Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit
Are you suffering from superhero fatigue? Do you roll your eyes every time you hear about a new MCU show? Well, youâre out of luck because Marvel superheroes are coming to Madrid whether you like it or not.
