LA LAGUNA (TENERIFE), 23rd April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
This Thursday, the La Laguna City Council will pay tribute to Eloy Díaz de la Barreda, a prominent figure in Canarian theatre during the latter half of the 20th century, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 90.
In accordance with an official decision taken by the municipal plenary assembly, a commemorative plaque will be placed on a monolith as a posthumous honour in the square located at the intersection of Gitama and Pardelera streets, within the San Bartolomé de Geneto neighbourhood.
The ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., as stated in a communication from the council.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, affirms that this “is a rightful gesture to honour a man who made culture his hallmark, a wordsmith professional who left an enduring legacy among those who had the privilege of knowing and collaborating with him throughout his extensive theatrical career, a Lagunero who adored his homeland and, beyond his artistic talents, was distinguished by his kindness, good humour and humanity.”
Eloy Díaz de la Barreda was a key figure in the cultural scene of Tenerife, particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s, when he championed amateur theatre in Tenerife after establishing the Ateneo de La Laguna School of Dramatic Arts.
He also directed the Teatro de Cámara de Canarias and the Teatro Español Universitario de La Laguna, as well as portraying the popular character ‘Tío Pepote’ in the dramatic broadcasts of Radio Club Tenerife.
Despite holding the position of head of protocol for the Cabildo of Tenerife professionally, his true passion was the theatre, leading to him being honoured with the Honor Award in 2013 at the ‘Replica’, the performing arts awards of the Canary Islands.
This accolade was a tribute to a lifelong commitment to the theatre, where he served as a director for over fifty productions, a set designer, critic, teacher, speaker, editor and consultant on scenic matters for various organisations.
In fact, he introduced a wide range of texts and authors to the Canary Islands, both national and international, as well as local talents such as Ángel Camacho, Gilberto Alemán or José H. Chela, whose works he premiered.
