Imagine the ghosts of playwrights past gathering right here. They are eager to witness their stories retold at the Teatro de la Comedia.
The Teatro de la Comedia stands before you. It is a testament to Madrid’s rich theatrical history. This theater has been a cultural landmark since it first opened its doors in 1875.
Located in the Barrio de las Letras, the Teatro de la Comedia shares its neighborhood with other playhouses. El Corral de la Luz and El Corral del Príncipe once stood nearby. The Teatro Español stands there today.
Agustín Ortiz de Villajos designed the Teatro de la Comedia. He was also the architect behind the church of El Buen Suceso, the Teatro de la Princesa, and the Teatro Circo Price. He left his mark all over Madrid.
The Teatro de la Comedia has premiered many great Spanish Golden Age classics. Plays by Benavente, Galdós, and the Álvarez Quintero brothers have also graced its stage. It is a true temple to the Madrid stage.
The great María Guerrero herself performed here between 1892 and 1905. Companies led by Santacana, Luisa Esteso, and Alberto Closas have also performed here. The theater has welcomed Ismael Merlo-Diana Maggi, Mari Carrillo, Adolfo Marsillach-Amparo Soler Leal, Rafael Rivelles, and Margarita Xirgu.
A fire gutted the Teatro de la Comedia in 1915. However, it was rebuilt that same year. After a three-year restoration project, it reopened in 2015.
Interestingly, the architect didn’t design dressing rooms initially. He assumed actors would arrive already in costume. Today, the Teatro de la Comedia is the home of the Compañía Nacional de Teatro Clásico CNTC. It has been their headquarters since 1986.
The Teatro de la Comedia now seats 672 people. It also features a separate 300 square meter room. The CNTC uses this space for rehearsals and smaller shows.
The recent remodeling includes accessibility features. The halls are accessible for people with reduced mobility. There is an adapted toilet on the ground floor. A magnetic loop system is available for people with hearing impairments.
As you leave the Teatro de la Comedia, remember the countless stories told within its walls. This theater is more than just a building. It is a living monument to the power of Spanish theater.