The Circus of the Sun, the portraits of Picasso or the Bolshoi, among the essential events of 2022 in Madrid

Exhibitions, musicals, plays, gastronomic events, concerts, festivals, film premieres, opera, the Bolshoi Russian ballet... The new year begins in Madrid with an avalanche of cultural proposals for all tastes. Below, we propose (in chronological order and by genre) some of the most interesting events that you should not miss in 2022.

PLAYS

SILENCE. Monologue written and directed by the playwright Juan Mayorga and starring the actress Blanca Portillo who reflects on the silences in life and theater. From January 7 to February 13 at the Spanish Theater.

FORGIVENESS. The choreographer Chevi Muraday directs and stars together with the actress Juana Acosta in a modern dance performance focused on pain, oblivion and clemency. From January 12 to 23 at the Teatro Bellas Artes.

A NIGHT WITH HER. Loles León reviews the last 50 years of Spanish history through anecdotes about his life. Bitter, funny and absurd situations are recounted in this work that contains 80% reality and 20% fiction. The viewer will have to figure out which is which. Loles León is accompanied by Briel González, Fran del Pino and Yeyo Bayeyo (pianist). From January 21 to February 23 at the Teatro La Latina.

THE DECLINE OF THE GODS. The well-known opera by Richard Wagner at the Teatro Real, from January 26 to February 27.

PERIBÁÑEZ AND COMENDADOR DE OCAÑA. Work by Lope de Vega directed by Eduardo Vasco that tells the story of the villain who confronts the powerful, without giving in to the abuse of power; something unthinkable for the society of the Spanish Golden Age. With Rafael Ortiz, Elena Rayos and Alberto Gómez Taboada. From February 2 to 27 at the Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa theater.

LORCA, VINCENTA. Fiction based on real events about a noble, affectionate, family-oriented, believing, tenacious, responsible, empowered, cultured, protective mother... Directed by José Bornás and performed by Cristina Marcos and Cristina Presmanes (La Bala/Piano). From February 3 to 27 at the Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa theater.

DRAGON. Chilean director and playwright Guillermo Calderón presents this drama that addresses issues such as social action, immigration and xenophobia. The cultural collective called Dragón regularly meets in Plaza Italia, ground zero of what were the social uprisings that occurred in the fall of 2019 in Chile. It stars Luis Cerda, Camila González and Francisca Lewin. From February 10 to 13 at the Valle-Inclán theater.

FIRE. Story set at the dawn of World War II that delves into the mentality of young Germans between the wars. From February 12 to 25 at the Círculo de Bellas Artes.

THE GOLEM. The public health system collapses and, like many other patients across the country, Ismael, who suffers from a rare disease, is about to be forced to leave the hospital where he is being treated. Alfredo Sanzol directs this fantastic mystery play, starring the actors Elena González, Elías González and Vicky Luengo. From February 25 to April 17, at the Teatro María Guerrero theater.

ANOTHER LIFE. Marta is 74 years old and is determined to change her life, and to do so, she also has to convince her old and apathetic friends. Beatriz Carvajal, Jesús Castejón, Beatriz Arjona and Juan Gea star in this play written and directed by Oriol Tarrasón. From March 3 to 27 at the Fernán Gómez Theater Cultural Center of the Villa.

THE CO-PILOT SYNDROME. A woman suffering from passenger syndrome, who has always depended on her partner, now faces a different life when she dies. Starring Cuca Escribano and Miguel Ángel Muñoz and directed by Vanessa Montfort. Canal Theaters. From April 7 to 24.

LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB. Sergio Peris-Mencheta directs this play inspired by the true story of the first women's soccer teams in the United Kingdom. Starring Almudena Cid, Ana Rayo and Andrea Guasch, it can be seen from May 6 to 22 at the Teatros del Canal.

RICHARD III REDUX. Adaptation of Shakespeare's play written and directed by award-winning Irish playwright Kaite O'Reilly, at the Comedy Theatre. From June 8 to 12.

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN. Written by Carlota Ferrer and starring Eusebio Poncela and Igor Yebra, it is the forbidden story of two cellmates who bring to light the human being's need to love. Starting in September at the Bellas Artes theater.

MUSICALS

FAME. The famous 80's film is now a world-renowned musical that chronicles the adventures of the seniors at the famous New York School of Performing Arts. From March 4 to May 2 at the EDP Gran Vía theater.

MATILDA. Feeling, humor, emotion, dance and wonderful songs are part of this magical plot based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl. Winner of more than 90 international awards, including 5 Tony Awards, 7 Olivier Awards and 5 Drama Desk Awards, Matilda is the story of an incredibly intelligent and witty girl treated with complete indifference by her parents and the principal of her school. From September 30 at Teatro Rialto.

THE BOYS OF THE CHOIR. An unemployed music teacher receives a job offer as a caretaker at a boarding school for troubled boys. There he starts a choir to, through music, bring out the best in each one. Musical version of the successful 2004 French film. Starting November 16 at Teatro La Latina.

DIRTY DANCING. The story of Baby and Johnny, which swept theaters in the 80s, returns to Spain in a musical format with a new cast. Space Ibercaja delights. Dates to be confirmed.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Also returning to the capital is the most bizarre gothic family musical in the world, which was born in a satirical comic that criticized the idealized American family. Delicias Ibercaja Space. Dates to be confirmed.

THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH. The musical from the famous book by Ken Follett will offer a unique experience with 360º projections and surround sound that will transport the viewer to the fictitious town of Kingsbridge in the 12th century. Iván Macías has been in charge of converting the novel into music and the playwright Félix Amador, of writing the libretto. At the Calderon Theater. Dates to be confirmed.

EXHIBITIONS

THE BLISSFUL AGE. CHILDHOOD ACCORDING TO SOROLLA. The child and his universe have always been present in the work of the Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla. With childhood as the leitmotif, the show revolves around three headings: The center, the family, with some commissioned works; The world of childhood, with pictures that tell how children lived and played; and The other childhood, that of less fortunate children or humble families who had to work. From January 31 to June 19 at the Sorolla Museum.

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THE FRENCH TASTE. The exhibition analyzes the presence of Gallic art and its influence on the aesthetic taste of our country during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Aspects related to diplomacy, politics, national identities are shown through painting, sculpture, everyday objects and even fashion. From February 11 to May 8 at the Mapfre Foundation.

PICASSO. FACES AND FIGURES. Retrospective of the artist from Malaga whose main theme is portraits. Through 60 works from the Beyeler Foundation (Switzerland) and the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Picasso's mastery of this discipline is observed, which featured in a large part of his work. From February 16 to May 15 at the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

KLIMT: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE. The brand-new MAD Madrid Artes Digitales, a center for creation and experimentation that opens its doors at Matadero Madrid in March, opens with a large-format production that transports the viewer to the universe and works of the Austrian artist. Starting March 4 at MAD Madrid Artes Digitales.

CARRACCI: THE HERRERA CHAPEL. At the beginning of the 17th century, Annibale Carracci painted the frescoes in the family chapel of the Spanish nobleman Juan Enríquez de Herrera, in the church of Santiago de los Españoles in Rome. In the mid-19th century, the sanctuary was sold, the frescoes torn out, transferred to canvas, and then shipped to Spain. Today, the fragments that are still preserved -in the National Museum of Art of Catalonia in Barcelona and in the Museo del Prado- have been brought together in this unique exhibition. From March 8 to June 12 at the Prado Museum.

GARDEN OF MIXTURES. ATTEMPTS TO MAKE PLACE 1995. The work of the Argentine artist Alejandra Riera arrives in the capital thanks to this exhibition that includes her work for more than two decades. The exhibition takes place in different places in the art gallery: the vaults, the patio and the third floor. From May 3 to September 5 at the Reina Sofía Museum.

ALEX KATZ. Great retrospective on this American painter and one of the great names of American art of the 20th century who, in his nineties, is still working. It consists of about thirty large-format oil paintings and some studies, where his usual subjects are present (solo, duplicate and group portraits, flowers and colorful landscapes). From June 14 to September 11 at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.

MUMMIES IN ANCIENT EGYPT. REDISCOVERING SIX LIVES. If you have ever wondered what those people we now see mummified in museums would be like, this is your sample. In collaboration with the British Museum and using the latest technology, the exhibition will reveal the hidden lives behind these six mummies who lived between 900 and 150 BC. C. in Ancient Egypt. From July 12 to October 30 at CaixaForum Madrid.

PICASSO AND CHANEL. The artist from Malaga and the French designer worked together on a couple of occasions and forged a long friendship. The relationship between these two great creators of the 20th century is the object of this exhibition in which Picasso's art and Coco Chanel's fashion go hand in hand. From October 11, 2022 to January 15, 2023 at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Film premieres

BELFAST. Kenneth Branagh (writer and director) could aspire to an Oscar with this film inspired by his childhood in the capital of Northern Ireland. Through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy, the tumultuous years of the late 1960s are shown in the Irish city. January 28.

THE BATMAN. Robert Pattinson, the idol of adolescents thanks to the Twilight vampire saga, puts on the suit of the darkest superhero in the world of comics. In the film, directed by Matt Reeves, the alter ego of millionaire Bruce Wayne lives immersed in the fight against crime and corruption in Gotham, while facing the serial killer Enigma. March 4.

BULLET TRAIN. More than well-known names in this action thriller starring Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock. Directed by David Leitch (Atomic, Deadpool 2, Fast & Furious: fast and furious), the plot takes place - at full speed - on a bullet train that goes from Tokyo to Morioka and in which five hired assassins travel, whose missions have something in common. April 8.

FANTASTIC Beasts: DUMBLEDORE'S SECRETS. The third prequel to Harry Potter (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, 2016, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, 2018) arrives on the big screen with a two-year delay. The film has been directed by David Yates, a great connoisseur of the J.K. Rowling universe, not in vain did he film four films in the Harry Potter saga. On this occasion, the plot is set against the backdrop of World War II and a magical war that Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) will try to stop. April 15.

DR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. Sequel to the 2016 Marvel Studios film. Directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2), leading the cast is Benedict Cumberbatch, in the shoes of Stephen Strange, who unleashes unspeakable evil while facing a old friend. May 6th.

LIGHTYEAR. The story about the origins of Buzz Lightyear, the legendary human space ranger who inspired the toy in the Toy Story saga and Woody's inseparable companion. Leading this spin-off is veteran Pixar animator Angus MacLane, who co-directed Finding Dory in 2016. June 17.

TOP GUN: Maverick. Thirty-five years have passed since Tom Cruise donned his glasses and aviator jacket to play Pete Maverick Mitchell, a character that brought him fame and money. In today's plot, Maverick, an elite US Navy pilot returns to the academy as an instructor to train new generations. may 27th

AVATAR 2. Second installment -more than ten years after the premiere of the first film- of the blue universe created by James Cameron (and the third is already in post-production). The father of Titanic and Alien now focuses on the lives of Jake, Neytiri and his children, their fight to survive and their problems with humans. December 21.

GASTRONOMY

MY SEA. Located in the Ocean Drive hotel, which will open in February, the venue will house different concepts (from the urban beach bar to the gourmet rice restaurant, including luxury cocktails and the boutique tapas bar) with Mediterranean cuisine as the common thread . Behind the idea, Carlos Bosch (El Portal, in Alicante, and Manero, Alicante and Madrid), the hotelier Marc Rahola Matutes (OD Group), Rafa Zafra (Estimar, in Barcelona and in the capital) and Luis Rodríguez (Casa Elías , in El Xinorlet, Alicante). Opening at the end of February.

MADRID FUSION. The great international event with avant-garde gastronomy is two decades old and it has been proposed to celebrate it in style. For this twentieth edition, if the pandemic allows it, it is committed to face-to-face, with numerous experiences to live live and activities to participate. As in the previous edition, the congress will be broadcast via the internet. From March 28 to 30, 2022 at IFEMA Madrid.

OTHER APPOINTMENTS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT

WHITNEY HUSTON HOLOGRAM TOUR. Tribute to the American singer on the tenth anniversary of her death with this international show that revives the diva in hologram and that will review all of her greatest hits. Gran Teatro Bankia Príncipe Pío, from January 15 to February 22.

LES LUTHIERS. For the last time in Spain, the group of Argentine musicians-actors-comedian present their show Viejos Hazmerreíres, a fun compilation that brings together some of the group's most emblematic works. From February 3 to 5 at the Municipal Palace of Congresses (IFEMA).

ARCOMadrid. The Madrid International Contemporary Art Fair returns, which this year celebrates its 40th Anniversary (+1), from February 23 to 27. The main event for fans and art lovers, as well as collectors, will bring together a selection of big names in international galleries and galleries that have been present at ARCOmadrid throughout its history. On the IFEMA premises.

MUTUA MADRID OPEN. It is one of the most important sporting events of the year in the capital. The tennis tournament will bring together the most important female and male rackets in the world for two weeks. Nadal, Djokovic, Medvedev, Zverev, Muguruza, Rublev, Barty, Sabalenka..., among others, are expected to participate in this prestigious tournament that will take place in La Caja Mágica, from April 26 to May 9.

BOLSHOI BALLET. Moscow's acclaimed classical dance company will perform La Bayadere, an adaptation of Marius Petipa's great masterpiece, which premiered at the Imperial Bolshoi Kamenny Theater in Saint Petersburg on January 23, 1877. The story moves to India, where Nikiya, a bayadere, she is in love with prince Solor. From May 17 to 21 at El Teatro Real.

PhotoESPAÑA. The International Festival of Photography and Visual Arts celebrates a new edition as a benchmark for the sector both nationally and globally. The main museums, halls and art galleries will present the latest trends in photographic art for four months, as well as the new projects by the most internationally recognized artists. From June to September.

SARA BARAS. The bailaora world premieres Alma, a show where flamenco embraces the bolero. From September 8 to October 2 at the EDP Gran Vía.

CIRCUS OF THE SUN. The Canadian artistic company will return to the capital with Luzia, its new show inspired by Mexican folklore and the contemporary urban culture of that country. Music, acrobatics and an incredible staging are the ingredients of this show that captivates spectators from all over the world every year. From November 5 to 27 in the Puerta del Ángel tent.