The discovery challenges the established belief that the play's premiere took place directly at the Teatre Goya in Barcelona. According to Soler's investigation, the two artists presented the piece at Can Met cafe in Palau-saverdera, a venue that offered a stage and was crucial for this initial staging.
The relationship between Lorca and Dalí, who met at the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid in 1923, was one of deep friendship and artistic collaboration. This understanding led them to spend seasons together in Cadaqués, where they developed joint projects. In this context, Dalí painted the sets for Mariana Pineda, and both sought a place to rehearse the staging.
Can Met cafe, run by a local entrepreneur with international experience, was the ideal setting. The establishment, which is still preserved today, had a stage area and was known for hosting shows. The owner's provision of the space, who had a family connection to Dalí, allowed the artists to hold this preview at no cost and with an audience.
“"Do as you please."
The official premiere of Mariana Pineda in Barcelona, starring Margarita Xirgu, took place on Saint John's Day in 1927. However, Mònica Soler's research, based on newspaper archives and testimonies from the cafe owner's daughters, reveals that Dalí's sets had already been used previously in this intimate performance in Palau-saverdera.
Unfortunately, Dalí's original sets, used in that first performance, have disappeared. The cafe owner's daughters tried to locate them decades later, but without success. It is believed that they may have been damaged by time or simply misplaced. Nevertheless, the search continues, and it is hoped that new efforts may shed more light on these lost elements of artistic heritage.
