Els Pastorets del Casal Catòlic de Sant Andreu are much more than a Christmas play: they are a living tradition with over a century of history that, since 2019, has undergone a profound renewal under the direction of Mercè Català and Anaïs Muniesa. "There are more people behind it," explains Català, who highlights the "horizontal" direction, the reactivation of live music, and the consolidation of a model based on associativism and volunteer work.
The Casal Catòlic, founded in 1919, has performed "Els Pastorets" (The Shepherds) "all its life," alternating them with other texts like "L'Estel de Natzaret" (The Star of Nazareth). "I would say they have been performed at the Casal for over 100 years," he states. The pandemic interrupted the tradition for one year, but since 2019 the current team has driven significant changes: "We reactivated the whole live music aspect." Initially with musician friends and today with a small orchestra of violins, cellos, double bass, and percussion accompanying the performances.
This year they return with the classic text by Josep Maria Folch i Torres, focusing on the adventures of Lluquet and Rovelló against Satan and Lucifer. "These are the ones we've done all our lives," notes Català, who is also part of the Coordinadora de Pastorets de Catalunya. Although each group adapts the text to their style, the Andreuenc proposal stands out for its live music and historical props (paper sets that are restored year after year), which remain faithful to the origin.
It's not always the same ending
One of the most anticipated novelties is the special performance on December 28th: "Els Pastorets fan Llufa" (The Shepherds Play Pranks). Introduced last year, this alternative version inverts the traditional script: hell wins and good seems defeated. "We always add a touch of current events," explains the director. It's a comical and lighthearted metaphor for moments when "evil seems to win more than good," but treated with humor and without excessive drama.
In fact, preparing it involves a "double effort" for the team, as many actors participate in both versions, with changes in the dramatic concept and some scenes. Furthermore, the casting doesn't always match, but most performers take on the challenge with enthusiasm
A Christmas Challenge
Around a hundred people, including actors, musicians, technicians, and collaborators, make the production possible. All are volunteers, and rehearsals begin in September, although the core team meets throughout the year to maintain sets and plan. Furthermore, collaborations from other entities are also important, such as the Esbart Maragall, which also participates in the performances with interludes of dance.
How is the public receiving the six planned performances? "With enthusiasm," celebrates the director. "There has been a very significant increase in ticket sales since live music was incorporated," she adds. All this, without losing the essence of amateur theatre as a cradle for artists: "The cultivation of these arts is generated in these associations," she recalls. And she encourages those who don't know them yet "not to think twice and to come and discover them." Because Els Pastorets del Casal are not just a performance: they are an open space where the Sant Andreu community wants to keep the magic of Christmas alive on stage.
