"Teatre Defensora was the cultural heart of Sóller and we’ve let it fall"

How did the Societat Defensora Sollerense come about and why did you build a theatre?

The society was founded in 1887 as a mutual aid society to help the poorest people by supporting them financially to access medical care. It was sort of a predecessor of social security. Over the years, it also became focused on culture, and from there came the idea of building their own theatre.

What role did the theatre play in cultural life in Sóller?

For decades it was Sóller’s cultural hub. It was the venue for weddings, communions, plays, dances... Anyone who didn’t perform, dance or meet their partner at the Defensora must have attended one of its events. It was the only major cultural centre and was open to everyone. It was the social heart of the town.

How has this space evolved over the years?

From the 1980s onwards, the theatre went into decline. Times changed: clubs appeared, new forms of entertainment, etc. At the administrative level, conditions were being demanded that we couldn’t meet: emergency exits, security measures, structural reforms, and so on. From the 90s onwards it was only used for specific dance events, until finally we were forced to close it.

So what happened to the building?

We handed it over to the Town Council in 2000. We thought that, this way, at least it could be protected. But there was total institutional neglect. We didn’t have the resources to renovate it, nor did they invest in the slightest. The building was closed and boarded up. In 25 years there have been, at most, two events. And a locked up building, I’m sure you know, deteriorates faster than one in use.

In 2023, part of the roof collapsed. What exactly happened?

On 5 September, at around 9:15 a.m., part of the roof collapsed. Only the outer façade was left standing. We were lucky that no one was passing by at the time, although mothers pass by with their kids every day to go to the nursery next door. It was a miracle that nothing bad happened.

How did the community of Sóller react?

With sadness, helplessness and resignation. It was the story of a death foretold. We’d known since 2000 that if nothing was done, it’d end up like this. The most frustrating thing has been how much they let us down: we went to Palma, began projects, they promised us things... but nothing followed. 25 years later, the theatre is on the ground. Literally.

The idea is to turn it into a versatile social and cultural centre. What are your thoughts?

This is, ultimately, giving it back its identity. It used to be a place for theatre, music, dance... Getting that back would be ideal. We want nothing else. Just to go back to being what it has always been for Sóller.

Do you think its restoration would have a positive impact on local culture?

No doubt about it. There’s no other local space like this. An agreement has been made with the Diocese to use another theatre, but this is the real one, the one that has always belonged to the people. People need it and we still hope to see it reborn one day.