the project This is a digofHelena Mateos Sánchezhas been chosen to represent Catalonia in the Prague Quadrennial 2027 (PQ), within the Countries and Regions Section, after a selection process that the Ramon Llull Institute convened in January. This is a dig proposes a physical and symbolic circuit, in which the public becomes the main element of a plot based on the recovery of the graves belonging to republican women murdered during the Franco regime. They also participate in the project Sara Farré Vicente i Jan Clota Vilaró.
The jury, made up of professionals from the world of scenography, has been chaired by Alfonso Flores and has had Andrew Rabal, Albert Pasquale, Anna Alcubierre, Xesca Salvà, Marta Rafa (by delegation of Núria Plana) i Maria Lladórepresenting the Ramon Llull Institute. Regarding the project, they consider that “This is not a dig stands out for the relevance and validity of the proposed theme, since despite taking as a starting point some local historical events, the excavations of the graves of republican victims in the Balearic Islands, it is able to establish a dialogue with the contemporary world, in which war has become a common occurrence. Likewise, the jury highlights the formalization of the project: a performative installation that invites the public to experience first-hand the experience of excavating graves belonging to victims of Franco’s repression. It is from these deaths, silenced and forgotten for decades, that Helena Mateos interprets the curatorial motto of the 2027 Prague Quadrennial: Absences and Silences. They also join the project
With this proposal, the Ramon Llull Institute takes over from the Theater Institute in leading Catalonia’s participation in this international event.
The next edition of the PQ will take place in Prague on 8 to 17 June 2027 and will be dedicated to the subject “Absences and Silences as potential spaces for new scenographic futures”. This conceptual proposal invites to investigate what has been ignored, made invisible or silenced, and to reflect on how these absences can shape rhythm, space and the body in scenographic practice.
The Prague Quadrennial, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027, is considered the most important event in Europe in the field of scenographic design. Since its creation in 1967, the show has evolved to become a key space for experimentation and scenic innovation. The PQ invites creators from all over the world to explore new dramaturgical and scenographic views and integrates diverse disciplines such as costumes, lighting, sound, objects or space design.
