Enchanting Poetry Night at The Collective

There is no shortage of events to appease your poetic appetite in Barcelona, especially given that another one has just been launched right in the Raval neighborhood. Held within a hip cultural center called The Collective, “Poesía en la Penumbra” offers attendees, as the name suggests, poetry in a cozy, dimly lit environment.

How it Works

Dani Orviz hosts this event- himself a a poetry slam champion, author of numerous poetry books, and overall small celebrity in the poetry world. While he infuses the night with his own works, “Poesía en la Penumbra” is actually an open mic night in which anyone in the audience can participate; the participants can recite poems, stories, or even a few can play acoustic music. In addition, they are beginning to invite “featured performers” to share their poetry with the audience for slightly longer slots of time.

While the event is hosted in Spanish, and most people perform in Spanish, any and all languages are welcome. In fact, with Dani’s slow and clear storytelling method, he is actually quite easy to understand for those of us who are still improving our Spanish abilities!

The Atmosphere

What’s particularly special about this event is not only the talent that fills the Collective’s walls but also the atmosphere that is created. As it is poetry in the “penumbra,” The Collective turns its already charming space of exposed brick walls into a familial hub of creativity. Backing away from bright lights, loud music, and overall stimuli, they dim the lights and provide a small reading lamp for those who are reciting onstage. Furthermore, on the wall behind the performers, they project an image of a full moon; then, after each person is done with his or her performance, they have a cute “ceremony” in which they project onto the wall a shooting star to signify that person’s contribution to the evening.

Details

This event was just launched a few weeks ago and will be held every Wednesday evening at 9:00 P.M. The Collective is located at Carrer d’en Roig, 11, near Liceu metro (green line). There is a 2€ entrance fee which includes a free drink. For more information about this and other events, you can follow The Collective on their facebook page.