GOING OUT

IF YOU’RE UNDER-16 (OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS)
There are various bits and bobs that will appeal to younger culture vultures, including Abans del món, hi havia un món; this theatrical show looks back, far back, to the time before our planet was created to see what was going on (17th to 19th, La Caldera, free entry). Alternatively, the work of IT Dansa, at the Mercat dels Flors, is part of an educational project by the Barcelona Theatre Institute aiming to bring dance to a wider audience (7th to 19th, €20).

IF YOU’RE KEEN ON NEW THEATRICAL INTERPRETATIONS
Unlike last year, when English-language drama was at the forefront of the Grec’s theatre section, the 2009 edition doesn’t have any plays in English (the guest nation is Italy, so for anyone who speaks Italian or is comfortable with Catalan subtitles, there is an exciting range of plays to see). However, one item on the programme that might interest fans of English theatre is a new interpretation in Catalan of John Osborne’s Fifties’ classic Look Back in Anger; going by the name Stokölm, it relates Osborne’s themes to today (until July 26th, Teatre Borras. [NB. If you’re disappointed by the lack of English theatre at the Grec, don’t despair. The 12 x 12 company is performing The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat each Saturday of this month at the Llantiol. There will be alternating performances in Castilian (4th and 18th) with those in English (11th and 25th), so make sure you get tickets for the right day!]

IF YOU’VE READ THIS FAR AND STILL NOT FOUND ANYTHING THAT APPEALS
Exciting news for (budding) actors is that US writer-director Neil LaBute and UK playwright Simon Stephens will each be giving a seminar as part of a series on dramaturgy organised by the Sala Beckett (July 4th to 11th, Antiga Fàbrica Fabra i Coats).
 
DINING OUT
If you're heading to the Teatre Grec for a show during the festival run and want to combine it with a meal out, the official bar and restaurant for the Grec is being provided, for the second year running, by Sifó with an enviable location on a terrace in the gardens of the theatre itself. Following their recent renovation, which has seen the gardens have been restored to their 1929 glory, diners will enjoy their food in a stylish ambience and with fantastic views over the city. And if you don't have tickets for any event at the Teatre Grec, don't worry - the restaurant is open every night of the festival, whether or not there is a performance at the theatre, until August 2nd. The menu focuses on grilled meat and there will also be specially created dishes, salads and pasta served. For more information and to make a reservation, call 663 762 035.

TICKETS AND DISCOUNTS
Prices vary according to the different events.
Different discounts are available:
FAMILIES—The family price is set at €8 for each member of the family, where children are under the age of 16 and accompanied by two adults.
YOUNG PEOPLE—Additionally the under-16 set can get in for €8 and the under-25s for €10.
OTHERS—Unemployed people will receive a discount (25 percent) as will senior citizens over the age of 65 (25 percent) and library-card holders (20 percent).
There are also multi-ticket options which give you a discount for buying tickets for three or more shows

Get your tickets at the following places:
www.bcn.cat/grec
www.telentrada.com
Palau de la Virreina (Rambla 99)
Barcelona libraries
Branches of Caixa Catalunya
Box offices of performance venues
By phone: 902 10 12 12