Antonio Banderas unveils ambitious cultural project for Málaga

by Else BeekmanElse Beekman
Antonio Banderas cultural project

 

Antonio Banderas continues to make significant cultural contributions to his hometown of Málaga. The renowned Spanish actor and entrepreneur recently unveiled his latest project, Espacio Sohrlin Andalucía, aimed at transforming Málaga into the Broadway of Andalucia.

Located in a renovated industrial space near La Misericordia beach, this centre will offer a wide range of performances and training in music, theatre, circus arts, and various audiovisual fields. The building, originally a grain silo from 1945, has been converted into a state-of-the-art cultural and educational facility.

Broad cultural offering

Espacio Sohrlin Andalucía will feature a variety of performing arts, immersive experience technologies, and a technical school for performing and audiovisual arts. Covering 8,000 square metres, the centre will include classrooms, a kitchen, relaxation areas, and an 11-room residence for artists and students.

Support for talent

Banderas announced the availability of scholarships to ensure talented students can access high-quality training regardless of their financial situation. “At least 30% to 40% of the students will benefit from these scholarships,” he stated.

Advanced facilities

The centre boasts a 1,000-seat auditorium, a digital lab named ‘Inmersoh’ for immersive productions, a ‘Black Box’ for experimental theatre, and a ‘Show Business Centre’ for creation and production within the entertainment industry. These facilities will allow for flexible programming without the need to prematurely end successful productions.

Economic impact on Málaga

Banderas emphasised the centre’s potential to attract a specific type of cultural tourism to Málaga. “We’ve already seen that 57% of the audience for the show ‘Company’ came from abroad,” he noted. “These visitors explore museums, enjoy the city, and contribute to the local economy.”

Passion for Málaga

Born in Málaga, Banderas frequently highlights the city on the cultural map. He participates in the annual Holy Week procession with his brotherhood María Santísima de las Lágrimas y Favores.

Teatro Soho and restaurant

Opened in 2019, Banderas’ Teatro Soho has become a dynamic cultural venue. It aims to attract national and international performing arts enthusiasts to Málaga. The theatre hosted the Spanish debut of the Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” and the 2021 Goya Awards ceremony. A year ago Banderas opened the new restaurant La Pérgola Mediterránea on a top location at the Malagueta Beach. 

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