At 7 p.m. on 15 October 2026, demonstrators assembled outside Teatros del Canal, an hour before the premiere of Sadeh21. The first performance was sold out.
Palestinian flags and keffiyehs appeared outside the theatre. Placards carried the slogan «Boicot ‘apartheid’ israelí». Several dozen people gathered at the entrance, while El Periódico reported more than 100 participants. Dancer and choreographer Nacho Duato was among those present.
The action was supported by BDS Madrid and the Red Solidaria contra la Ocupación Palestina, known as Rescop. Arts groups Desarma Madrid and Danza por Gaza also backed the protest. Artistas con Palestina joined them. Organizers called for a boycott of Batsheva Dance. They argued that Israel uses cultural events to improve its image abroad.
The Israeli company is presenting Ohad Naharin’s Sadeh21 from 15 to 17 October in the Sala Roja Concha Velasco. The Community of Madrid described the work as one of Naharin’s most emblematic pieces. Teatros del Canal confirmed on 9 October that the performances would go ahead as scheduled. Organizers alleged that the company receives support from the Israeli state; the protest did not change the programme.
A separate Madrid performance by Orquesta y Coro RTVE was scheduled for 16 October, information from this concert preview.
