A Desire in the Body is a research and creative laboratory with Inka Romaní, working with the bodies and memories of women over 65 who lived their youth under Franco’s dictatorship. Drawing on archives and personal memories, we will explore together how the teachings of the Sección Femenina (Women’s Section) used gymnastics, dance and physical education to control and discipline women’s bodies, and how, despite everything, desire always found a crack through which to escape.
A Desire in the Body is a space for meeting, conversation and gentle movement. No previous experience in dance or theatre is required.
You do not need to attend all the sessions to take part, although we recommend attending as regularly as possible, as the group work and trust are built from one session to the next. The activities are gentle and adapted to all physical conditions.
Practical information about the laboratory:
• 6 sessions (three Mondays and three Tuesdays between 19 October and 3 November, in the afternoon): 19 and 20 October, 26 and 27 October, 2 and 3 November 2026. We will hold a final open session on 6 November.
• From 5 pm to 7 pm
• At Graner (c/ Jane Addams 14–16)
• Free registration via the form on this page
Alongside the laboratory, we are opening a space at Graner for collective embroidery gatherings. A space to embroider a tapestry together, also connected to the research project A Desire in the Body, exploring the censorship and discipline imposed on women’s bodies during Franco’s dictatorship. Embroidering together and remembering together.
The gatherings will take place at Graner every morning from 21 October to 6 November. You can come whenever you like! The first session will be attended by Reyes Pe, a textile sculptor.
IMPORTANT: You can sign up for the movement laboratory and also come to the embroidery sessions separately, but you do not have to do both! You can take part in either one: both spaces are flexible and designed to adapt to everyone’s availability. The embroidery sessions do not require registration; the laboratory does.
