Kajay Teatro Takes Center Stage: A Look at Their Award-Winning Performance
By Your Favorite Comedy Quartet: Carr, Atkinson, Gervais, & Evans
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the Kajay Teatro group, who have strutted their stuff all the way to a fabulous first prize at the 33rd edition of the Provincial Theater Festival in Argentina! They’ve bagged themselves a ticket to the National Theater Festival 2025—yes, the big leagues—where they’ll represent Formosa. For those who thought “theater” was just an excuse for posh people to drink overpriced wine while pretending to understand Shakespeare, think again! This is where art meets guts, and Kajay Teatro is leading the charge with their heart-wrenching production of La aguela C.
The Play’s Essence: Grit, Grit, and More Grit!
La aguela C—an evocative title that rolls off the tongue like a warm empanada! Written by the Paraguayan playwright Natalia Benítez, this play dives into the tumultuous waters of memory. Picture this: a woman recalling a childhood filled with isolation and hardships, framed by the melody of Guaraní idioms. It’s like a trip down memory lane, but instead of flowers and sunshine, you end up with a basket of challenges and a few emotional potholes. Now, who doesn’t love a little drama, eh?
Weaving Stories: More Than Just Fabrics
But wait, it gets better—this production weaves (pun absolutely intended) in the cultural significance of sewing and embroidery! One might think: “What’s so important about needlework?” Well, let’s just say that for many Paraguayan women, it’s less about creating an Instagram-worthy tapestry and more about resilience and the memory of collective struggles. As Marcela del Turco, the director, so succinctly puts it: “Art is our way of resisting this reality that we have to live.” Talk about sewing your wild oats, eh?
The Heart of It All: Humor Amidst Hardship
The play is rooted in anecdotes from actor Manuel Portillo’s grandmother—yes, grandma probably has some tales that’d make even David Attenborough tear up! From stirring anecdotes of adversity to mirthful moments, it’s a masterpiece that deftly navigates the murky waters of inequality and violence through artful storytelling. Talk about multi-tasking: delivering painful truths while making us chuckle in the process!
Mark Your Calendars, Theater Lovers!
Don’t miss your chance to experience this incredible performance on Sunday, November 3, at 8:30 p.m. at the La Mandinga Cultural Center in Formosa. You’ll not only enjoy an evocative performance by the talented Silvia Gabazza but will also witness first-hand how Marcela del Turco injects a fresh sensitivity into a time-honored tale. With her at the helm, it’s surely a night to remember! So grab your tickets and perhaps a little bit of vino to celebrate—because who says you can’t drown your sorrows in culture?
The Kajay Teatro group earned the top honor at the 33rd edition of the Provincial Theater Festival in Argentina for its captivating staging of the poignant play La aguela C. This prestigious award not only recognizes their exceptional talent but also guarantees Kajay Teatro a coveted spot at the National Theater Festival 2025, where the group will proudly represent the province of Formosa. Held annually, this event has become a cherished tradition in the neighboring country, uniting an array of theater groups to showcase their diverse artistic offerings.
La aguela C, a powerful creation by Paraguayan playwright Natalia Benítez, intricately weaves the narrative of a woman reflecting on a tumultuous childhood characterized by criadazgo, profound loneliness, and numerous hardships, all set against a backdrop enriched with Guaraní idioms. The play delves deep into the life of a woman who navigates a hostile environment, illustrating her adaptability and survival instincts in a challenging context that ultimately shapes her identity and influences her interpersonal relationships.
Central to the play’s vision is the motif of weaving, which holds significant cultural importance for Paraguayan women. The staging artfully incorporates sewing and embroidery elements, serving as powerful symbols of resilience and the preservation of collective memory. As Marcela del Turco, the esteemed director of Kajay Teatro, eloquently states: “Art is our way of resisting this reality that we have to live.”
The genesis of the play dates back to 2012, inspired by heartfelt anecdotes shared by actor Manuel Portillo about his grandmother, who, despite facing adversities, managed to uncover moments of joy and tenderness. Throughout its development, the drama thoughtfully integrates themes of inequality and violence through an artistic lens, skillfully employing the spontaneity of the character to gently reveal these harsh truths.
The next captivating performance is scheduled for this Sunday, November 3, at 8:30 p.m., taking place at the La Mandinga Cultural Center in Formosa, Argentina. Theater enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the talented Silvia Gabazza’s performance, under the sensitive direction of Marcela del Turco, who brings a fresh perspective to this impactful story.
**Interview with Marcela del Turco, Director of Kajay Teatro**
**Interviewer:** Marcela, congratulations on winning the top prize at the Provincial Theater Festival! How does it feel to have your hard work recognized in such a significant way?
**Marcela del Turco:** Thank you so much! It feels incredibly rewarding. Winning this award is not just a recognition of our work on *La aguela C* but also a testament to the power of storytelling and how it resonates with audiences. We poured our hearts into this production, and it’s amazing to see that effort pay off.
**Interviewer:** *La aguela C* has a rich narrative that dives into memory and collective struggles. Can you share some insights on what inspired this play?
**Marcela del Turco:** Absolutely! The play is based on the stories told by Manuel Portillo’s grandmother, which really brings personal and emotional layers into the narrative. It paints a picture of resilience and hardship through the lens of memory, embodying the struggles of the Paraguayan people. We wanted to highlight how stories of the past can shape our present and future.
**Interviewer:** The production also weaves in themes of sewing and embroidery as symbols of resilience. Why do you think these elements are significant?
**Marcela del Turco:** Sewing and embroidery are crucial parts of Paraguayan culture, symbolizing not just creativity but also the strength of women and their collective memories. For many, it’s more than art—it’s a way to connect with their history and defy their circumstances. It reflects the essence of our identity and serves as a powerful metaphor for stitching together lives filled with challenges.
**Interviewer:** Your cast has been praised for its ability to balance humor amidst serious themes. How challenging is it to navigate that tone?
**Marcela del Turco:** It’s definitely a balancing act! But I believe that humor is a vital tool in storytelling. It allows us to tackle painful subjects without overwhelming our audiences. We hope to spark conversations about difficult issues while still offering moments of levity. It’s a way to engage people, making them think and feel deeply.
**Interviewer:** You’ll be representing Formosa at the National Theater Festival in 2025! What does that opportunity mean for Kajay Teatro?
**Marcela del Turco:** It’s an incredible honor! It’s not just a chance for us to showcase our work on a national stage, but it’s also an opportunity to represent the artistic voice of our province. We aim to connect with a wider audience and share our unique stories, enriching the cultural tapestry of Argentina’s theater scene.
**Interviewer:** For those interested in seeing the performance, when and where can they catch it?
**Marcela del Turco:** We’ll be performing *La aguela C* on Sunday, November 3, at 8:30 p.m. at the La Mandinga Cultural Center in Formosa. We’re excited for everyone to come and experience this labor of love with us!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marcela! We’re excited to see what the future holds for Kajay Teatro, and we wish you all the best at the national festival!
**Marcela del Turco:** Thank you! We’re grateful for the support and can’t wait to share our story with a broader audience!
