The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, through the Autonomous Organisation of Culture (OAC), announces that from November 18 to 24, the city will hold the grand week of the “Estudio Guimerá” initiative. This research venture into the performing arts commemorates the legacy of Ángel Guimerá. It will feature activities such as discussions and screenings focused on the noteworthy playwright from Chicharrero, culminating with the premiere of “Mala Sangre,” a theatrical production representing the concluding phase of the Guimerá Study.
This initiative concludes after several months of honouring the playwright as we mark the centenary of his passing. It commenced in April, coinciding with the 179th anniversary of the author’s birth. Over this time, nearly a hundred events have celebrated his work, leading up to the grand week that aligns with the premiere of “María Rosa” on November 24, 1894, in Madrid.
José Manuel Bermúdez, the mayor of Santa Cruz, remarked, “Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes pride in hosting the conclusion of such an important project that pays homage to one of the significant figures in Canarian and Spanish culture, Ángel Guimerá. This centenary of his death has provided us with the chance to delve deeper into his legacy and showcase it through a series of activities encompassing both academic deliberation and live artistic creation.”
Councillor for Culture, Santiago Díaz Mejías, noted that “throughout this year, we have observed how the playwright’s influence remains vibrant in contemporary theatre. Initiatives like this reinforce our dedication to culture, which is a vital pillar for our city’s development and identity.”
The week will commence with the final “Trial and Error” (E&E) sessions, scheduled for Monday, November 18, and Wednesday, November 20. These meetings have allowed audiences to immerse themselves in the creation process of “Mala Sangre,” witnessing how ideas come to fruition on stage and how characters develop, making each rehearsal a crucial step towards the final creation.
EyE serves as a dynamic laboratory where “you experiment, encounter setbacks, and evolve, embracing the creative uncertainties to achieve a richer and more profound final outcome,” as explained by Estudio Guimerá. This platform aims to connect the cast with the community, fostering joint experimentation and transforming the creative process into a shared, participatory experience.
Discussion at Guimerá
Alongside this creative journey, there will be opportunities for discussions at the Guimerá Theatre. Specifically, on Tuesday, November 19, at 7:00 p.m., the event “Angel Guimerá House Museum of El Vendrell and Institut del Teatre: safeguarding a legacy” will take place featuring Angels Santacana, Neus Olivera, and Anna Valls. These three individuals have been and continue to be pivotal figures in preserving and promoting Catalan cultural and theatrical heritage. This discussion will delve into how institutions and professionals collaborate to protect and disseminate this invaluable artistic legacy.
On Saturday, November 23, at 12:00 p.m., the talk “50 years of the Dagoll Dagom company and its connection with the text Mar y Cielo by Ángel Guimerá” will be held. This session will feature Joan Lluís Bozzo, a notable Catalan director, actor, and playwright, who has played a crucial role in the progression of the Dagoll Dagom company since 1978; it will be moderated by Julio Hardisson Guimerá. The discussion will provide an insightful examination of the balance between tradition and innovation within the performing arts, exploring how Dagoll Dagom has uniquely reinterpreted classic texts through its distinctive aesthetic.
The final conversation of the grand week of “Estudio Guimerá” is scheduled for Sunday, November 24, at 12:00 p.m., focusing on “Ángel Guimerá and his relationship with the institution.” Carme Portaceli, director of the TNC, will be accompanied by Aranza Coello, an actress and stage creator. This discussion will address the influence of the Canarian playwright on institutional theatre, highlighting how his legacy has significantly shaped the Catalan theatrical identity and its international presence.
Moreover, cinema will also be featured during this grand week at Guimerá. On Thursday, November 21, “María Rosa” by DeMille will be showcased, accompanied by live music from pianist Julio Tejera. Following the screening, there will be a debate featuring Sharon G. Feldman and Joan Martorí. Feldman is a prominent expert in Catalan theatre and a lecturer at the University of Richmond, whilst Joan Martori is a theatre researcher and specialist in Guimerá’s work.
The duo will analyse the film adaptation and the impact of Guimerá on both theatre and film culture, offering a deep perspective on the significance of “María Rosa” within the early 20th-century cultural landscape and its influence from Europe to America.
Admission to the screening is complimentary but requires an invitation, available at the TEA box office from Friday, November 15, at 10:00 a.m., until shortly before the event begins.
“Mala Sangre”
The premiere of “Mala Sangre” stands as the highlight of Estudio Guimerá’s grand week. There will be three opportunities to experience the performance, which is a product of a creative journey and a celebratory space for the achievements and collective efforts of all participants and cooperators involved in the Guimerá Centennial.
On Friday the 22nd, Saturday the 23rd, and Sunday the 24th at 8:00 p.m., audiences can enjoy the original stage work, authored and directed by Canarian actress and playwright Aranza Coello. Tickets can be purchased through this link: www.teatroguimera.com
