The conference 'Humanity and the Power of Technology: Paradise or Trap?‘ in the Mirades Blaves series of the Portalblau Festival, led by Jordi Pigem and Juan García del Muro and moderated by Ignasi Rifé, draws on Owen Barfield's reflection: ’Among all the threatening signs that surround us in the mid-20th century, perhaps the one that causes the most unease in thoughtful people is the growing and widespread sense of remaining threats. How can we explain that the more capable humans are of manipulating the world for their own benefit, the less meaning they can perceive?'

We live in an age in which artificial intelligence and algorithms shape our experience and perception of reality. The conference offers a critical look at technology, establishing ethical limits so that technology serves life and not the other way around, exploring margins for hope.

Germans Ortega is a hybrid format where words pulsate with electronic beats, creating a verse-electronic journey that catapults imaginations and emotions. A concert-recital in constant flux, it combines Eva Ortega's verses with Toni Ortega's beats: a truce in the hermitage, a toast in the festive arena.

Everyday poems take on a new dimension in electronic music: organic textures, lively or calm rhythms and sung voices amplify meanings and interverses. The performance, with irony and humour, shines thanks to the complicity between these two stage animals, who transform any space into their home.They performance with intense and intimate energy, fusing poetry, music and theatre in a unique experience.

Activity within the Espai Proa programme (Support for local and emerging talent).

How does a revolt begin? From a dissonance that grows into a collective cry. Mil Primaveres, at the Portalblau Festival, is a dance piece with roots in contemporary staging, created for public spaces. Eight performers from Esbart Manresà and live music give shape to a vibrant and physical show.

The project brings dance back to the street, where popular culture and protest meet. Traditional gestures dialogue with the spirit of revolt under the direction of Sergi Estebanell and Arantza Labuena, with original music by Marina Tomàs. A spring that is an awakening: a choreographic cry from the roots to imagine new shared forms of resistance.

Activity within the Valors i Compromís programme.

The Mirades Blaves cycle of the Portalblau Festival presents the lecture ‘Can we prevent and treat stroke? Key ideas’, on one of the leading causes of death and disability in adults, especially women. Stroke is preventable and treatable: up to 80% can be avoided with healthy habits, and early treatment improves the prognosis.

The talk will cover the warning signs, what to do if you suspect a stroke and the importance of every minute. It will also address risk factors, how to reduce them and advances in treatment and rehabilitation that promote recovery. It will be given by Dr Yolanda Silva, a neurologist specialising in stroke, head of Neurology at Dr Josep Trueta Hospital, professor at the University of Girona and head of research in cerebrovascular pathology.