The TNC premieres La corona d’espines by Josep Maria de Sagarra, directed by Xavier Albertí

The Teatre Nacional de Catalunya presents La corona d’espines (The Crown of Thorns), one of the great tragedies of Catalan theatre, written by Josep Maria de Sagarra in 1930 and now revived and rediscovered by Xavier Albertí, who also signs the musical composition. The play will be on stage at the TNC’s Sala Gran from 13 November to 21 December.

Set in Solsona at the end of the 18th century, the story follows the intrigues surrounding a marriage arrangement between an heiress and a young orphan, blending financial interests, suspicion and hidden passions. Between honour, power, impossible love and social hypocrisy, Sagarra crafts a tragedy that becomes a deep critique of the society of his time.

The production features a stellar cast including Manel Barceló, Jan D. Casablancas, Jordi Domènech, Abel Folk, Oriol Genís, Àngels Gonyalons, Pau Oliver, Júlia Roch, Laia Valls, Rosa Vila and Roger Vilà, who bring to life characters torn between morality and desire, duty and freedom.

Written during a historical moment of transition —between the end of Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship and the proclamation of the Republic— and set in 1793, at the time of the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, La corona d’espines reflects the clash between old orders and new times, and the enduring weight of history upon individuals.

With this revival, Xavier Albertí brings back one of Sagarra’s most brilliant poetic works, a play that explores themes such as violence against women’s bodies, fatherhood and redemption, reaffirming the relevance and power of the playwright’s voice in contemporary theatre.

Get your tickets here.