 I wade past the crowds of the Cobblestone Bar into the back space. It’s a quaint, moody space and was bustling with people who had likely heard about the uniqueness offered by La Mansarda events through it’s previous attendees. A diverse catalogue of performers in spoken word, poetry, artistry, music and dance, many of whom are a variety of nationalities with their own engaging stories of how their art has allowed them to connect with their sense of self, life story or place of origin.
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On a Saturday like many, walking around Dublin looking for something different than the usual pint, I ended up at the La Mansarda event in the Hendrick Smithfield. I already knew the event and performed there in the last few years, but I have to say I’ve never seen something like that night in Dublin. The theme of the night was ‘A night of community’, and I have to say that after everything that is happening in the world right now, no best title could have been chosen for such an event. I had the opportunity to discover communities of musicians and artists from literally completely different parts of the world, in a new and captivating way, all together to celebrate the different realities active in Ireland. Video maker: Lobo G.  An afternoon in a brick box full of emotions. Dublin is a grandma's closet. There is always this lingering mold smell in it. It is disorganized in the best way possible, with containers of different shapes, sizes, and times everywhere. Here, you will find old things in new boxes and new stuff in old boxes. Furthermore, there is always this weird sense of nostalgia floating between the bricks. During the summertime, when the students are replaced by the tourists in the closet and the American accent can be heard more than usual in the Temple Bar quarter, the traditional summer event of la Mansarda is held in one of those old brick cubes. When I entered the Smock Alley Theater, one of the most famous places in Dublin, which has been a theater, then a church, and then a theater again, the place was already drowning in music and noise. Upstairs, over the main room, a wedding reception was at its second round of cocktails. The place was... The month is June, the city is London, and the sky is, typically, overcast - right on brand. In the library of Bush Theatre there’s a buzz going on; La Mansarda’s own little livewire, Ligia, is providing a good jolt of electricity, and the circuit is completed by her co-conspirateur Marta, founder of Bike Ducts Cycling Club (BDCC), and DJ and techy, Francesco. Chairs are being configured, speakers positioned, turntables set up. Tonight’s the night The Big Smoke gets for the second time its serving of the secret La Mansarda recipe, with a little help from friends over at BDCC - and oh what a night it promises to be. May has been a radiant month, and Bologna has showered us with warmth through its sunshine, food, and people—a beautiful remedy in itself. The event found its unique dimension at Altro Spazio, accentuated by the patient staff who assisted us throughout the setup of the evening.
It was a great joy to see this project come to life in Bologna for one evening, given the nature of its Italian name. It was a poignant moment to be able to screen Emergency's documentary video: "EMERGENCY's Children’s Surgical Hospital in Entebbe, Uganda." There's immense work in the care that Emergency commits to providing for adults and children alike.  Spring in Valencia means good sunny weather, orange blossom smell, and terrazas full of people from all around the globe enjoying a nice big glass of horchata and some fartons. And, from the 3rd to the 8th of April, it also meant that two good friends were, at last, reunited in this beautiful, lively city.
Allow me to introduce myself, I am Aitana. Me and Ligia, La Mansarda's founder, met a couple of years ago in Dublin during one of the many open mics taking place in the Irish capital city. It was one of those be-in-the-right-place-at-the-right-time moments in life as I had the privilege to witness, not only the start of a great friendship but also the beginnings of what was meant to be an amazing, generous and magical project: La Mansarda nights. Video made by Lobo 6pm. February 23rd. At the corner of a busy intersection on the North Inner City, La Mansarda founder, Ligia, is getting equipment set up for her first event of the year.
La Mansarda’s characteristically homey ambiance has already settled in La Pausa Caffé, with croissants on the table, mingling performers, and (inexplicably) a small white dog sniffing at our feet. We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with EMERGENCY, an Italian humanitarian organization dedicated to providing free medical and surgical assistance to victims of war, poverty, and discrimination.
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AuthorsExplore our blog to hear firsthand stories and reflections from the artists and audience who are deeply connected to La Mansarda. Whether they’ve performed on our stage or been inspired from the audience, each post offers a unique perspective on our vibrant and evolving community. Dive into their narratives and discover the diverse experiences that shape La Mansarda. Archives
December 2024
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