Francesc Nel.lo, one of the most respected and beloved figures of the Catalan stage, has passed away at the age of 94. His death is a significant loss for the theater community of Barcelona and all of Catalonia. Over his long career, he left a profound mark not only as a director but also as a mentor, playwright, translator, and set designer.
Nel.lo was much more than a consummate professional—he was distinguished by his rare kindness, generosity, and ability to support everyone he met along the way. Many remember him as someone who always found words of encouragement and never lost his composure, even in the most challenging situations. His students and colleagues recall that working with him was a true pleasure and that his lessons remained with them for life.
A Journey in the Arts
Francesc Nel.lo was born into a creative family: his father, Francesc Nel.lo i Ventosa, was a renowned artist and set designer. Initially, the future director chose to pursue philosophy and literature, publishing a collection of short stories, but soon became captivated by the stage. He enrolled at Escola d’Art Dramàtic Adrià Gual, where he met future reformers of Catalan theater—Ricard Salvat, Fabià Puigserver, Josep Montanyès, Hermann Bonnín, Feliu Formosa, and Josep Anton Codina.
Together with Formosa, he founded the Gil Vicente group, and later, in 1966, with Puigserver, the Grup de Teatre Independent (GTI). Just a year later, they staged their own version of Beaumarchais’s “The Marriage of Figaro” (Les noces de Fígaro) at the Aliança del Poble Nou theater. This production was later revived at Teatre Lliure, where the translation was done by Nello himself. At GTI, he also directed other noteworthy productions, including “Els diàlegs de Ruzzante,” “Els baixos fonts,” and “La nau.”
Children’s Theater and Pedagogy
A special part of his career was his work with the GTI children’s section — L’Òliba. There, he set new standards for children’s theater with productions such as “La comèdia de l’olla,” “El metge a garrotades,” “la farsa de metre Pathelin,” and “Guillem Tell,” which became hugely popular.
From 1971, at the invitation of Hermann Bonnín, he became one of the key instructors at the renewed Institut del Teatre. At the institute, Nello taught acting, ran numerous workshops, and became known for his calm demeanor and respectful attitude toward students. There was no room for shouting or conflict in his classes — he could defuse any situation with a gentle request to explain the issue.
Productions and Television
Among his most renowned works are the production of ‘El señor Puntila y su criado Matti’ by Brecht, his participation in the legendary Grec Festival in 1976 with O’Casey’s play ‘Roses roges per a mi,’ as well as his collaboration with the Centre Dramàtic de la Generalitat, where he staged ‘Peer Gynt.’ Other notable productions include ‘Tot educant Rita,’ ‘Espectres,’ and poetry evenings at Teatre Lliure.
Nello also made significant contributions to Catalan television. At TVE he worked as a screenwriter, adapted Catalan plays, and curated children’s and youth programs. On TV3, he directed classical music concerts, collaborated with Òpera de Cambra de Joventuts Musical, and staged opera performances at the Liceu.
Remembrance and farewell
Francesc Nello’s family noted that his passing is an irreparable loss for contemporary Catalan theater. He was not only a master of the stage but also a mentor who shaped a new generation of audiences and artists, teaching them to think critically and appreciate art.
A farewell to Francesc Nello will be held on December 24 at 9:15 a.m. at the Sant Gervasi funeral home, with a farewell gathering on the eve, December 23, starting at 5:00 p.m. His contributions to Catalan culture will live on in the memory of all who knew, worked with, or learned from him.
