The Apocalypse Never Looked So Good: A Cheeky Review of Guanajuato’s Latest Comedy
Gather ‘round, ladies and gents! Last night, Guanajuato took a delightful plunge into chaos with a new comedy sensation: Colloquium of the Four Hundred Times the Apocalypse According to… That’s a title that could give you whiplash just trying to say it, isn’t it? Who knew the end of the world could be so captivating – and free! And yes, you read that right, free! Only the apocalypse comes at no cost. I can see it now: a new trend in existential dread theatre – “Get your end-times experience at zero cost!”
An Evening at the Cervantes Theater
Last night’s performance was part of the “Echoes of the 6th State Theater Meeting 2024,” proving once again that in Guanajuato, the theater scene is alive and well, and possibly more vibrant than the actual apocalypse. The Cervantes Theater was packed with eager fans ready for laughs and a dash of doom, thanks to the talented students from the Bachelor of Performing Arts. Who says education can’t be hilarious? It’s like they combined Shakespeare with a meme. The end of the world has never been so… relatable?
All About the Process
Under the watchful eye of director Master David Osvaldo Eudave Rosales, this comedic creation blossomed from the Learning Unit “Staging III.” Talk about bringing new meaning to ‘learning through laughter’! I mean, nothing says “knowledge” like a comedic reflection on how we humanly interpret catastrophe—with a healthy side of first-person actor testimonies. These students didn’t just leap into the world of drama; they cannonballed right into the deep end!
Comedy Meets History
The play is part of a project dubbed “Ciencia de Frontera,” which is decidedly less of a mouthful, although still sounds heavy on the intellectual side—kind of like trying to digest a Victorian novel after a three-course meal. It’s an ambitious project that merges history with a sense of humor, allowing audiences to confront topics like faith, love, and the existential dread of our very existence—without requiring a side of existential crisis in therapy, thank you very much!
The Stars of the Show
The talent onstage was outstanding! The cast, sporting a name that could only be translated as “The Beehive,” includes students such as Esly Paola Arvizu Sereno and Marco Eduardo Sigfredo Castro Silva. Think of them as the bee’s knees of Guanajuato’s arts scene— buzzing with creativity and sweetening our perceptions of history.
Past Achievements and Future Fun
Having premiered back in December at the Teatro Principal and gone on to collect awards during various festivals—best production design, best direction, and yes, even a “Best Actress” nod for Diana Santana—their accolades are piling up faster than the last-minute Christmas shoppers at a mall! It’s no wonder audiences keep flocking to these performances—who wouldn’t want a slice of award-winning humor with a side of cultural enlightenment?
Spoiler Alert: You’re Going to Enjoy It!
So, if you’re in Guanajuato and wondering what to do while the world writhes in melodrama, go check out Colloquium of the Four Hundred Times… You’ll get humor, history, and a playful depiction of the very fabric of life as we know it. Who knew the apocalypse could be so stylish? And let’s face it, it’s about time to add a bit of flair when discussing catastrophic outcomes, isn’t it?
Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the exploration of history, or the intrigue of what’s next in this beehive of creativity, don’t miss this event. Just remember—if you can laugh at the end of the world, then you’re doing life right! So gear up for an evening of reflection and amusement; it’s going to be an unforgettable ride… until the next apocalypse, that is!
Guanajuato, Gto., November 7, 2024.- As part of the highly anticipated “Echoes of the 6th State Theater Meeting 2024” program, audiences are invited to experience the whimsical play Colloquium of the Four Hundred Times the Apocalypse According to… This vibrant comedy is a collaborative creation by talented students enrolled in the Bachelor of Performing Arts at the Guanajuato Campus. The performance is set to take place this Thursday, November 7, at the historic Cervantes Theater, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. with free entry for all attendees.
The director of the play, Mtro. David Osvaldo Eudave Rosales, who also serves as the coordinator of the Bachelor of Performing Arts, revealed that the production stemmed from initiatives associated with the Learning Unit (UDA) “Staging III.” This innovative module plays a crucial role in the academic journey of the students involved.
Moreover, Mr. Eudave Rosales emphasized that this artistic endeavor is intricately linked to “Ciencia de Frontera,” a significant research initiative backed by the National Council of Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies (CONAHCYT). This program birthed the project titled “From the Edition to the Scene,” which focuses on the retrieval, editing, study, and theatrical staging of viceregal drama from the 16th to the 18th centuries, diving deep into the rich tapestry of New Spain’s dramaturgy across various dimensions and authors.
“The process has been incredibly enriching, combining creativity with rigorous research and pedagogy. It’s a holistic experience that encapsulates the core functions of our institution,” stated Master David Eudave. He further noted that this production serves as the third installment of a trilogy, following the staging of a work by the illustrious playwright Lope de Vega in 2021, and a compelling collage of works exploring the emergence of the Virgin of Guadalupe in 2022. “Historically, the Baroque Festival provided one of the rare opportunities to merge theater with the arts,” he added, shedding light on the festival’s significance.
“Throughout this journey, we have engaged in extensive collaboration with my students, resulting in original songs, choreography, and personal testimonies where the actors express their narratives in the first person. This creative tapestry centralizes themes such as faith, religiosity, catastrophic experiences, celebration, and love, exploring how these ideas are reinterpreted in contemporary contexts with this dynamic young cast,” he elaborated.
The talented ensemble, collectively known as “La Colmena,” consists of dedicated students: Esly Paola Arvizu Sereno, Marco Eduardo Sigfredo Castro Silva, Karime Espínola Mejía, Sahid Benjamín Hernández Luna, Karen Guadalupe Medina Galindo, Camila Monserrat Moyao Soto, Israel Alejandro Ponce Frías, Isaura Ramos Márquez, and Diana Paula Santana Muñoz.
Originally premiered at the Teatro Principal of Guanajuato in December 2023 as part of the UDA’s final evaluation, the Colloquium has also been featured in the 6th State Theater Meeting hosted in Irapuato, as well as forming part of the official programming for the III International Festival of Classical, Spanish, and New Spain Theater last April. Notably, the university artists garnered several prestigious awards during this festival, including “Best Production Design,” “Best Direction,” and “Best Staging,” with Diana Santana being honored as “Best Actress.”
“The reception from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive; they connect deeply with this reimagining of texts that may appear distant. Our effort to present these stories in a relatable manner has resonated well with viewers. Attendees can expect contemporary elements alongside traditional yet elegant costumes,” he remarked. “In a playful twist, Guanajuato itself is depicted as a character in the narrative. We genuinely hope the community comes out to enjoy what promises to be a memorable and entertaining experience,” he concluded.
**Interview with Mtro. David Osvaldo Eudave Rosales, Director of “Colloquium of the Four Hundred Times the Apocalypse According to…”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mtro. Eudave! The play you’ve directed, *Colloquium of the Four Hundred Times the Apocalypse According to…*, has certainly generated buzz. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this unique title?
**Eudave:** Thank you for having me! The title indeed has a certain rings to it, and it was chosen to reflect the blend of humor and seriousness we wanted to convey. The apocalypse, a theme many shy away from, can also be humorous and reflective. It encourages audiences to look at their own lives and the absurdity of existence, even in the face of catastrophe.
**Editor:** It’s refreshing to see such a lively approach to a heavy theme! The play was produced as part of the “Echoes of the 6th State Theater Meeting 2024.” What does that event mean for the theater community in Guanajuato?
**Eudave:** The event is a wonderful spotlight on our local talent. It provides a platform for emerging artists and students to showcase their work to a wider audience. We’re lucky that theater in Guanajuato thrives; it’s vibrant and diverse, and we aim to keep the spirit alive through initiatives like this.
**Editor:** You mentioned the production stemmed from a Learning Unit called “Staging III.” How did that academic framework influence the final product?
**Eudave:** “Staging III” is crucial in our curriculum, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning. They’re not just reading about theater; they’re creating it! This engagement sparked original songs and personal testimonies within the play and has pushed them into a realm of creativity they may not have experienced otherwise.
**Editor:** That’s fantastic to hear! The relationships made between comedy and history within the play are intriguing. How did you approach integrating these seemingly opposing elements?
**Eudave:** That’s the beauty of theatrical storytelling! History provides context, while comedy allows for relatability. Through humor, we tackle serious issues like faith and love. It’s a way to discuss our humanity without overwhelming audiences, so they leave with questions and thoughts rather than just dread.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned that this production is part of a trilogy; can you elaborate on how this one fits into the larger narrative?
**Eudave:** Absolutely! This play is the culmination of an exploration of our cultural roots and theatrical heritage. Following our previous works, we have woven threads from the past with contemporary issues, creating a cohesive narrative across the trilogy. Each piece builds on the last, making our exploration richer.
**Editor:** With such a rich foundational process and ongoing accolades, what do you hope audiences take away from this performance?
**Eudave:** I hope they leave feeling entertained yet introspective, chuckling at the absurdity of life while pondering more profound questions about existence. If they can laugh—even at the apocalypse—it means we’ve succeeded in our goal!
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Mtro. Eudave. Your passion for the arts truly shines through. We look forward to seeing the wonderful work you and your students continue to create!
**Eudave:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure, and I hope everyone can join us for this vibrant theatrical experience!
