A fascinating journey will come to life this weekend at the Plaza de las Artes of the National Arts Center (Cenart), where female strength will be intertwined with the legacy of ancestral knowledge.
With dramaturgy and direction by Oswaldo Valdovinos, the staging Nahuala recreates the ancient figure of the nahual, in addition to raising reflections on the empowerment of women in rural communities.
The story has its roots in Milpa Alta, where the Astillero Teatro company, from Valdovinos, collaborated with the community group Teatro Tozquitl, made up entirely of women.
This alliance was key to bringing the stage creation to life, since, according to its director, They shared with us essential knowledge about local traditions, especially about the nahuales and their role of power in the community.
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The members of Tozquitl not only contributed their knowledge of the region’s culture, but also helped Valdovinos shape the language and details of the production.
The costumes, customs and life stories come from them. It was a process of deep and enriching collaboration.
added Oswaldo Valdovinos (Mexico City, 1974) in an interview with The Day.
Nine-year-old Yolotzin lives in a semi-rural environment with a strong influence of traditional customs. Her grandmother Pancha, who possesses all the characteristics of a nahuala, guides the little girl in the development of her skills, while challenging the barriers imposed by the patriarchy, represented by Seferino, her grandfather.
The work is, in essence, a vindication of the role of women in the community, of how ancestral knowledge should not be limited by gender.
Valdovinos stressed. Yolotzin’s mother, who is single, also plays a crucial role in the story, as she serves as an accomplice in her daughter’s fight for freedom and equality.
The surroundings of Milpa Alta are carefully recreated in the scenery, from the smoke stoves (a tradition that has almost disappeared with the arrival of gas) to the vast nopal plantations that prevail in the region.
We visited the few remaining smoke kitchens and spoke to the women who use them. These seemingly simple details were essential to portray life in the area and give authenticity to the production.
Valdovinos explained.
One of the most attractive elements of the production is the use of table puppets, inspired by real inhabitants. The playwright and his team took photographs of representative people from the region to create the figures that come to life on stage.
Music also plays an essential role in the plot. These are original compositions based on traditional rhythms of the region, such as chinelos, and are adapted to the narrative of the story. The cast includes María Teresa Adalid, Itzel Casas, María Zoraida Álvarez, Oswaldo Valdovinos and Lizeth Rondero.
At first, all the characters, even the male ones, were played by women. That led me to reflect on how women perceive and respond to certain situations. It was a process that allowed me to better understand their struggles and strengths.
recalled Oswaldo Valdovinos.
We want viewers to take away the idea that certain traditions do not have to be maintained, especially those that perpetuate inequality.
The functions of Nahuala will be today and tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. at the Cenart Dance Plaza (Río Churubusco 79, colonia Country Club Churubusco, borough of Coyoacán). Admission is free.