Arnau Tordera bets on the sardana as a way of salvation

For there to be sardanas, there must be a cobla group to perform them. Therefore, on the stage of the Condal Theater, six musicians from the cobla group La Cani-Gó!, founded in Torelló in 1933, perform pieces danced by five sardana groups , along with music composed by Arnau Tordera. We're talking about Sardana Superstar, a futuristic, science-fiction musical.

“In the face of a cataclysm of cathedral-like proportions, we can only rely on popular culture to survive. Popular culture is always relevant, never outdated,” declares the leader of the group Obeses, who in this case is the composer of the music and script for this show, “for those who hate and for those who love the sardana,” which he also directs with Antoni Font-Mir.

In the face of a cataclysm of cathedral proportions, we can only rely on popular culture to survive. Arnau Tordera

“It's a natural evolution as a songwriter linked to theatricality,” Tordera says. “During the show, the audience is invited to dance sardanas if they wish. The show can be a gateway into the world of sardana, which can help people who have their prejudices.”

“Iconic pieces from the sardana appear, because I'm very respectful,” he continues, “and the rest is music I composed for cobla, with a great stylistic variety: each character responds to a style, such as jazz or big band.” He concludes: “The world of musicals has always played with hyperbole. The title's reference to Superstar is obvious and direct, here replacing the Christian prophet with the sardana prophetess.”

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The musical premiered in Manresa, where it was produced, has been performed in Vic and Girona, and now comes to the Paral·lel (only until Sunday, July 6). On stage, in addition to the cobla and the colles, which are from the town and, in this case, are coordinated by Som Sardana, the cast includes Maria Cirici, Mireia Lorente-Picó, Miquel Malirach, and Pol Blancafort. The program also features a guest appearance by Lloll Bertran, who "is an artificial intelligence," reveals Arnau Tordera.