Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside Teatros del Canal on 15 October 2026, before Batsheva Dance performed Sadeh21. The first show was sold out; dancer and choreographer Nacho Duato joined the protest.
At 7 p.m. on 15 October 2026, demonstrators gathered outside Teatros del Canal, an hour before the premiere of Sadeh21. The first performance was sold out.
Palestinian flags and keffiyehs were visible outside the theatre, along with placards bearing the slogan «Boicot ‘apartheid’ israelí». Several dozen people gathered at the entrance. El Periódico reported more than 100 participants. Dancer and choreographer Nacho Duato was among those present.
The action had support from 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, as did Artistas con Palestina. Organizers called for a boycott of Batsheva Dance, arguing 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 made the claims about Israeli state support for the company; the protest did not change the programme.
A separate Madrid performance by Orquesta y Coro RTVE was scheduled for 16 October, according to this concert preview.
