Joventut de la Faràndula

Joventut de la Faràndula is a non-profit cultural entity, created in 1947 by members of the Marian Congregation, members of the theater group "La Faràndula" and other people committed to the education and leisure of children.

In 1956 the La Faràndula Theatre in Sabadell was built and inaugurated, which over time has become the current municipal theatre.

History

The early years

In the spring of 1947, a small group of young people from the Marian Congregation of Sabadell's Drama Troupe, driven by a desire to create theater for children, shared the difficulties that were hindering their progress. The main obstacle was the requirement to perform only plays with male actors, in accordance with the organization's internal rules and strict moral code.

Encouraged by Father Josep Maria Nolla, a council priest of the Congregation, and with the support of some older Congregants, they began to dream of the possibility of creating a mixed and autonomous theater group, although it would continue under the tutelage of the parent organization, which had founded its stage troupe in 1939.

Finally, both groups reached an agreement and, combining their efforts and experience, created Joventut de la Faràndula, a mixed organization specializing in children's performing arts. The founding ceremony took place on September 18, 1947.

The curtain rises

On November 23, 1947, the Joventut de la Faràndula (Youth Theatre Company) raised the curtain for the first time at the "Teatro Alcázar" on Les Planes street in Sabadell. That first season, 1947/1948, included 14 performances: 13 in the afternoon and one evening session for adults, and a total of 8 different plays.

The first cycle of Els Pastorets has already been programmed, with 7 performances, and works such as Cinderella, The Adventures of Massagran, Twelfth Night and The Divine Impatient have premiered.

The transfer of the theater

In March 1972, due to the difficulties the organization faced in maintaining and managing the theater, it became the property of the city of Sabadell. In exchange for very favorable conditions, the City Council granted Joventut de la Faràndula the use of the spaces used as its headquarters indefinitely.

Special conditions were also established so that the entity could continue to use the theater and maintain the children's programming, the Els Pastorets cycles and the Christmas performance for adults.

A theater of its own

Another important need was to have a dedicated space with sufficient capacity. Therefore, in 1955 a public subscription was launched to acquire land and build a theater. In early 1956, a company was formed to manage the project, and shortly thereafter a plot of land was purchased between Alfonso XIII and Tres Creus streets in Sabadell.

The construction of the La Faràndula Theater began on April 15, 1955, and the official inauguration took place on December 30, 1956.

To date

For over seventy-five years of uninterrupted activity, the organization has maintained its children's program in Sabadell, performed throughout Catalonia, and participated in numerous competitions, winning many awards. The total number of performances has now reached nearly three thousand.

At the same time, Joventut de la Faràndula has promoted significant training work. Since 1979, the Children's Theatre Workshop courses have been held regularly, and in 1993 they were expanded with the Aula Jove de Teatre (Youth Theatre Classroom) and the Adult Theatre Workshop (TTA).

As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, the Generalitat of Catalonia awarded the organization the Creu de Sant Jordi (Cross of Saint George). That same September of 2022, members of the Joventut de la Faràndula were responsible for delivering the opening address for the Sabadell Festival.

The Shepherds

Sabadell becomes an epicenter of Christmas tradition thanks to Els Pastorets by Josep Maria Folch i Torres, brought to the stage by the emblematic Joventut de la Faràndula.

Since 1947, the company has faithfully presented this classic, making it one of the most spectacular and large-scale productions in all of Catalonia. It's an unmissable event for thousands of families who want to relive the magical and timeless struggle between Good and Evil, following the well-known adventures of the shepherds Lluquet and Rovelló.

The sheer scale of the spectacle is its hallmark. More than 100 actors and extras of all ages fill the stage, bringing to life the spectacular scenes that have captivated audiences of all ages. The production is notable for its monumental set design, which seamlessly transports the viewer from the landscapes of Bethlehem to the terrifying and awe-inspiring cauldrons of hell.

This production has established itself as a true cultural institution in the Vallès region and a benchmark in the country. Its success is so remarkable that it boasts over 7,000 spectators each season, many of whom return year after year.

This essential Christmas and family event can be seen at the Teatro la Faràndula in Sabadell during the months of December and January, usually at 6:00 pm.