Elisa Capdevila’s New Mural Brings Teatro Talia’s Legacy to Life

In late November, we met with artist Elisa Capdevila and urban art curator Antoine Careil amidst a stormy Barcelona backdrop. The city was still reeling from record-breaking rain and wind, and so was their ambitious project: a large-scale mural paying homage to the Teatro Talia and the once-thriving theater district of Paral·lel Avenue. The weather felt fitting—a dramatic backdrop for a mural that captures the essence of an era that shaped Sant Antoni and Barcelona itself.

Elisa, a celebrated local muralist, was in the thick of it, braving the elements to complete a piece steeped in history and meaning. Antoine, the director of Street Art Barcelona and one of the driving forces behind the project, was there to ensure every logistical hurdle was cleared—a process that took two years of planning and relentless dedication.

Apologies for the audio issues in this video! We filmed on a busy avenue in Barcelona with lots of traffic, and while we’ve done our best to make it audible, we know it’s not the best quality. Thanks for understanding, and we hope you still enjoy the content!

A Tribute to Sant Antoni’s Past and Future

The mural, titled End of the Show, is more than just a beautiful painting. It’s a poignant nod to the cultural legacy of the Teatro Talia, a once-iconic theater that symbolized the golden age of Paral·lel’s entertainment scene. As the last curtain fell at the Talia, so too did an era of accessible, grassroots theater in the city. This mural captures that moment: an actress removing her makeup backstage, her performance complete. It’s a scene that resonates deeply with the theater’s story of finality and transition.

But the project isn’t just about looking back. It’s also about reclaiming and reimagining the space for the future. With community input at its core, the mural stands as a vibrant reminder of the neighborhood’s past while celebrating the enduring spirit of its people.

Why This Mural Matters

Large-scale public art isn’t easy to bring to life in Barcelona. Despite the city’s reputation as a cultural hub, it lags behind other major cities when it comes to embracing murals of this scale and significance. Funding and organizing such a project is no small feat—it took two years of collaboration between community groups, local organizations, and Street Art Barcelona to make this one happen.

Antoine explains that projects like this require persistence and a collective effort: “It’s not just about the art; it’s about building relationships, creating trust, and ensuring the community feels represented in the work.”

Feminism and Collaboration at the Heart

What makes End of the Show particularly special is its feminist perspective, chosen in collaboration with neighborhood groups. It highlights the often-overlooked role of women in both the theatrical world and in the community’s efforts to preserve their cultural heritage. Elisa worked closely with these groups through workshops to shape the narrative of the mural, ensuring it reflected their voices and stories.

A Symbol for the City

This mural is more than a tribute to the Talia—it’s a statement about the potential of urban art to transform neglected spaces and reconnect us with our collective past. Antoine puts it best: “Projects like this show how public art can revitalize a city, turning a forgotten wall into a canvas for memory, activism, and hope.”

Through wind, rain, and years of effort, End of the Show now stands tall in the heart of Sant Antoni. It’s a testament to what’s possible when art meets community and history, proving that even in stormy weather, creativity can thrive.

Check out our interview with Elisa and Antoine, where we delve deeper into the mural’s creation, the challenges they faced, and what this project means for Barcelona and beyond.

Interview conducted by Afieni Cayetano
Images by Fer Alcala