After making its debut in New York City more than 10 years ago, Monkey Town 5 – a mix between dinner theatre, cinema and avant-garde art – has hopped the Atlantic and introduced Barcelona to a modern day art gallery.
The city marks the European premiere of a two-year international tour, which will be followed by Berlin and Brussels
Situated in an off-the-beaten-path warehouse in the up-and-coming beach-side barrio of Poble Nou, one would never suspect to be greeted with a glass of cava by the show's creator, Montgomery Knott, upon arrival.
Monkey Town 5 video experience — Photo courtesy of Monkey Town 5
The surprise continues as you're led into a dark, empty space with the smell of fresh baked pizza wafting through a room set up with four wraparound movie screens, displaying a serene image of a delectable picnic. (It's soon to be destroyed. We'll leave it at that.)
Not to worry. The pizza isn’t on the innovative four-course menu, complete with a wine pairing. Offerings cater to dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free. Dishes are mostly organic, varying with the seasons, and they're prepared by one of Barcelona’s leading chefs, restaurateur Sergi Meiá.
This is an eclectic show for an imaginative audience. Whether you're an art aficionado, hard-core foodie or just someone who wants to experience something extremely different and authentic in the city, this is a one-of-a-kind event, defined by some as psychedelic or mind-altering.
Food at Monkey Town 5 — Photo courtesy of Monkey Town 5
The show is a collection of short videos combined with music and served with delicious haute cuisine, all of which contribute to a sensory overload, leaving you feeling a bit dazed and confused.
The audience sits inside a massive 7-by-7-meter cube, watching a two-hour multi-screen video program and dining on a four-course menu.
Depending on the showing, there are various versions, some with interpretive dance scenes, while others have a musical serenade during the short intermission.
Tickets cost between 25 to 30 Euros (depending on the night) and include all food and wine, as well as the show itself.
There are two seatings on Fridays and Saturdays, one at 8 p.m. and one at 10:15 p.m.; one seating on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m.; and one seating on Tuesdays and Sundays at 9 p.m.
Tickets should be purchased in advance via the Monkey Town 5 website.
This is a wonderful event, very different from many of the city's usual art offerings. Definitely take advantage of it while it's in town, as it only airs until mid-June 2015.
