“I don’t want to work in ballet or opera, you know? Those kinds of things that are like, ‘Let’s try to keep this alive, even though nobody cares anymore,'” actor Timothée Chalamet said to his fellow actor Matthew McConaughey in an interview at the University of Texas. “All my respect to the people who do ballet and opera,” he clarified. Although these statements were made on February 21, it wasn’t until this weekend that they went viral. And the reactions of those who dedicate themselves to these arts around the world were quick to appear on social media. Among them, of course, were those from Madrid.
Specifically, the Teatro Real, one of the best places to see ballet in Madrid. The institution has posted a video on its Instagram profile that begins with this excerpt from the interview, followed by several moments of opera and ballet on its stage where the audience applauds the artists. And, written above it, “Plot twist: people do care .”
And although tastes vary, the active cultural agenda (and sold-out performances) in terms of ballet and opera in the capital does seem to be a good indication that perhaps the people of Madrid do like these arts:
Ballet in Madrid for those who do care
The Teatro Real has, of course, one of the most eagerly awaited ballets of the season: Juliet and Romeo, performed by the Royal Swedish Ballet from May 7 to 10, 2026. The Teatro de la Zarzuela will also be hosting the Spanish National Ballet from July 11 to 22 this year, performing Triana and Medea, with tickets starting at €20.
The Círculo de Bellas Artes also has other offerings that go a little beyond classical ballet: from Ballet of Lights (March 22 and April 24), based on classic stories and where the dancers’ costumes are covered in lights, to Candlelight Ballet: Swan Lake(May 8, June 5, and August 7), performed by candlelight by the Madrid Dance Company.
Opera in Madrid for those who care
Editorial credit: Andreas Praefcke/Wikimedia Commons
The Teatro Amaya probably has the option that will make opera lovers happiest, with the fifth edition of its Zarzuela and Opera Festival: from March 11 to May 31, 2026. Iconic operas such as La Tabernera del Puerto, Carmen, and La Traviata are part of its very complete program.
Another great option can be found from March 10 to 22 this year at the Teatro Real, with El Sueño de una Noche de Verano(A Midsummer Night’s Dream). A great work that, in this case, is performed by renowned singers such as Iestyn Davies, accompanied by the Teatro Real Orchestra and the Pequeños Cantores de la ORCAM choir.