Historical cabaret theatre reopens on Barcelona’s Broadway
‘El Molino’, Barcelona’s Moulin Rouge, reopened its doors last night after a 13-year closure, a change of ownership and a complete renovation. On its first night, the theatre offered a spectacle typical of Paral·lel Avenue, the Catalan Broadway. The re-opening has created great expectations.
Barcelona (ACN).- People were surrounding the fences on both sides of the red carpet last night. It was a very special night on Paral·lel Avenue, Barcelona’s Broadway. The mythical El Molino Theatre reopened its doors with a new cabaret spectacle. El Molino used to be the most popular theatre for wild nights in Barcelona, Barcelona’s own Moulin Rouge. The theatre had to close 13 years ago due to a lack of funding and problems in ownership. After a conflict-stricken long-period and profound renovation, El Molino reopened and a new show begun last night. Red lights, feathers and cabaret performances are once again on Paral·lel Avenue. El Molino came back with the same spirit, but with a new face for new times. Time and the audience will judge the success of the new operation.
For some months, success is guaranteed, as neighbours, politicians, intellectuals, and media all wanted to be present at the re-opening last night. Lights and projections on the theatre’s façade celebrated the opening and the history of the myth, remembering old glories and old times. El Molino will surely get full attention in the weeks and even months to come, however the real proof will be when El Molino will be judged for what it is right now, and not for the symbol it once was.
Amparo Moreno, a former artist from El Molino, reflected on this issue. She said that we will have to see if the humour, naïve sexual provocation and “varieté” shows will be as successful nowadays as they were decades ago.
The opening spectacle was a success according to the attendees’ opinions. Josep Maria Portavella from the group The Chanclettes tried to mix the old spirit of cabaret, decadence and feathers with new times and even some flamenco performances. There are even plans to use the theatre as a special disco for some nights.