Welcome to the Theater Buzz!
Well, folks, hold on to your popcorn because apparently, this December is hotter than a Caribbean summer! Yes, that’s right. The debut feature film *Summer in December* by director and playwright Carolina Africa is hitting our beloved movie theaters, and it’s got enough scenic essence to make even the grumpiest critic crack a smile—eventually!
Chatting with the Creators
Our friends at RNE in Santa Cruz de Tenerife decided it was time for a chat with the creative minds behind this gem. Enter Aranza Coello from Burka Teatro and producer Valentin Rodriguez of unahoramenos Productions. We’re diving deeper into the theatrical soul of Angel Guimerá. Can you believe it’s been 100 years since he’s taken his last bow? What better way to honor that than with the premiere of *Bad Blood*? It’s an original work celebrating the 130th anniversary of *Maria Rosa*, a piece that’s basically the bread and butter in Guimerá’s lengthy playbook!
The Good Ol’ Performative Shenanigans
In an unrelated yet delightful twist, we have the ever-charismatic Miguel Cuerdo, our veteran performing arts aficionado, making waves again with his segment “I Have a Plan: Theater Production Dialogues“. He’s recently had a chinwag with the director Then Ripoll—someone who’s about to level up her career as the newly appointed director of the National Classical Theater Company. No pressure, right? But we’ll happily take any juicy chronicles from her overdue days leading the company!
Oh, Did Someone Say Monologues?
Switching gears to those who love to unleash their inner voices, or rather, their other selves, we have Inko Martín and Saioa Royo launching “Bambalino World”—a new genre of monologue that’s practically a club! If you’ve got a flair for the dramatics or simply fancy a good belly laugh, this sounds just spot on!
More Theatrical Treats
Let’s not forget the tour of *Congress Does Not Work*, a commendable creation from the mind of John Yago and directed by Israel Sola. With a title like that, one would think it’s more of a documentary than a drama, but hey, who’s judging? We certainly won’t be! Meanwhile, Zaira Montes is running her own *Almayer Inn* where actress Rocío Marin is currently nesting while on tour with *The Assembly Members (Those Who Stumble)*. She’s also gearing up for the debut of *Injuries* with the clever minds of Antonio Dominguez behind it. Watch out, world!
A Whistle While You Work
And now for a cheeky little section from Lola Barroso named “Whistling Behind the Scenes”, where she dishes on the legendary Florence Foster Jenkins. Talk about a blast from the past! Remember when we collectively laughed at the assembly *Glorious, The Worst Singer in the World*? Well, with talents like Llum Barrera and Ángel Ruiz, what could possibly go wrong—except for the off-key harmonies, of course! Meanwhile, the multitalented Ines Leon, who has been singing and acting the house down with *They Lie Like the Boleros Lie* and *Mamma Mia!*, is coming in hot to discuss her personal perspective on failure. I mean, that’s certainly one way to handle constructive criticism!
Wrap Up
So there you have it, my fellow theater lovers, a smorgasbord of theatrical adventures happening right now. From film debuts to juicy dialogues, it’s clear the stage and screen remain more vibrant than ever! Grab your tickets and prepare yourselves for a hearty dose of drama, laughter, and slightly chaotic monologues. Who’s with me?
In movie theaters, audiences can indulge in the heartwarming tale of Summer in December, the directorial debut of esteemed filmmaker Carolina Africa. As both director and playwright, Africa brings to life a narrative inspired by her acclaimed project at The Belloch Theater, ensuring that the essence of theater shines throughout the film’s distribution and conceptual development.
We connected with our studios at RNE in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to engage in an insightful dialogue with director and playwright Aranza Coello from Burka Teatro and the capable producer and cultural manager Valentin Rodriguez from unahoramenos Productions. Our conversation was spurred by the significant occasion of commemorating Angel Guimerá, with the 100th anniversary of his passing just around the corner. We delved into this rich historical context through Guimerá Studio, which will host the premiere of Bad Blood. This original work marks a poignant reflection on the 130th anniversary of the first performance of Maria Rosa, a cornerstone of Guimerá’s literary legacy.
Miguel Cuerdo, a veteran in the performing arts and a cherished friend of The RNE room, returns as a collaborator with his innovative segment “I Have a Plan: Theater Production Dialogues“. This series hosted at the iconic Casa de la Radio welcomed the director, manager, producer, and playwright Then Ripoll, offering us an opportunity to discuss his productions with Mycomicon, the integral relationship between his works and public theater, and his recognition as a recipient of The Critical Eye of Theater Award (2002). This enlightening conversation occurred just days before her appointment as the director of the esteemed National Classical Theater Company.
We reached out to the dynamic duo Inko Martín and Saioa Royo, creators of “Bambalino World,” which celebrates the art of interior monologues. They have boldly ventured into the performing arts with this unique genre, even establishing a club dedicated to it. Additionally, we had the pleasure of hearing from the director of Godot Magazine, Jose Antonio Alba, who brought us the latest updates. Featured montages, such as Congress Does Not Work, a creative endeavor by The Caloric, accompanied by a compelling text by John Yago and directed by Israel Sola, were discussed through the lens of Raul Losanez.
In the spotlight, Zaira Montes helms “Almayer Inn,” welcoming the talented actress Rocio Marin this week. Marin is currently on tour with The Assembly Members (Those Who Stumble) directed by Jose Troncoso, and she is also set to debut in Injuries, a project featuring the writing and direction of Antonio Dominguez.
Lola Barroso introduces her engaging section “Whistling Behind the Scenes” featuring the multifaceted Florence Foster Jenkins. We also reflect on the enthralling assembly Glorious, the Worst Singer in the World featuring the remarkable talents of Llum Barrera and Ángel Ruiz. Additionally, we enjoyed insights from the singer, actress, and director Ines Leon, known for her roles in They Lie Like the Boleros Lie and Mamma Mia!, as she shared her nuanced perspective on the concept of failure.
How did Carolina Africa adapt her theatrical experience to the film medium for *Summer in December*?
**Theater Buzz Exclusive: Interview with Carolina Africa, Director of *Summer in December***
**Host:** Welcome to Theater Buzz! Today, we’re thrilled to chat with the talented director and playwright Carolina Africa about her debut feature film *Summer in December*, set to make waves this December. Welcome, Carolina!
**Carolina Africa:** Thank you! I’m so excited to be here and talk about the film.
**Host:** *Summer in December* has been generating quite the buzz. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind it?
**Carolina Africa:** Absolutely! The film draws from my previous project at The Belloch Theater. I wanted to capture the essence of theater in a new format, combining heartfelt storytelling with stunning visuals. It’s about finding warmth and love in unexpected places, much like a summer’s day in the midst of winter.
**Host:** That sounds beautiful! You’ve mentioned the scenic essence in the film—what can audiences expect in terms of visual style and storytelling?
**Carolina Africa:** I aimed to create a vibrant, immersive experience that reflects the film’s emotional depth. Expect colorful landscapes, captivating cinematography, and characters that feel real and relatable. The storytelling weaves in themes of connection, change, and the human spirit—elements that resonate deeply in our everyday lives.
**Host:** Speaking of stories and themes, it’s exciting that you’re debuting alongside the commemoration of Angel Guimerá. Does his legacy influence your work?
**Carolina Africa:** Absolutely! Guimerá is a monumental figure in our theatrical landscape. His focus on human experiences and societal issues strongly resonates with me. The upcoming premiere of *Bad Blood*, celebrating the 130th anniversary of *Maria Rosa*, is a beautiful way to honor his contribution to theater, and I hope my film brings similar depth to the screen.
**Host:** With your transition from theater to film, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
**Carolina Africa:** The transition was both daunting and thrilling! Adapting my theatrical sensibilities to film required a deeper understanding of cinematography and pacing. I leaned on the expertise of my incredible team and collaborated with experienced filmmakers to ensure the heart of the story remained intact. It’s a blend of learning and embracing creativity, which adds to the richness of the process.
**Host:** Before we wrap up, any message you’d like to share with the audience in anticipation of *Summer in December*?
**Carolina Africa:** I want to encourage everyone to come to the theater with an open heart and mind. This film is about shared experiences and emotions that unify us all. I hope it brings joy, laughter, and perhaps a few tears, as we navigate through the essence of love and life.
**Host:** Thank you so much for your time, Carolina. We can’t wait to see *Summer in December* hit theaters this December!
**Carolina Africa:** Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to experience it!
**Host:** And that’s a wrap for today’s interview! Stay tuned for more exciting insights from the world of theater and film!
