In February, a devastating forest fire swept through the coastal city of Viña del Mar in Chile, leaving over 130 people dead, 370 missing, and thousands homeless. The fire, described as the worst in an urban area in 30 years by Chilean president Gabriel Boric, consumed almost 160,000 acres of land, with 36,000 acres in Valparaíso. Astillero Teatro director Gabriel Contreras Hernández and the music director for La Memoria de los Sésiles had to evacuate the area, resulting in the loss of instruments used for the play.
La Memoria de los Sésiles, one of two South American plays presented at the seventh Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, explores humanity’s relationship with nature. Written by Nicolás Cancino-Said and directed by Contreras Hernández, the play tells the story of an old hermit named Sacha and a young environmentalist named Tujo on a quest to find the last living tree roots to help rejuvenate a new forest. Using masks, lighting, and songs, the play aims to provoke reflection on our connection to nature.
Contreras Hernández explained the significance of trees in the play, highlighting their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and regulate temperatures. La Memoria de los Sésiles is part of a trilogy focusing on different landscapes in Chile, with the first play, Puerto Seco, centered around the relationship between communities and the sea. The play aims to engage audiences of all ages in rethinking their relationship with the environment.
Sarau Cultura Brasileira presents Azira’i: um Musical de Memórias, a one-woman play that delves into the Amazon rainforests and explores the relationship between Zahy Tentehar and her mother, Azira’i, who was a revered shaman among the Tentehar-Guajajara peoples in Brazil. Directed by Denise Stutz and Duda Rios, the play reveals Tentehar’s personal journey and spiritual connection to nature, especially after her mother’s passing during the project’s creation.
The play emphasizes the interconnectedness between Indigenous people and nature, portraying a deep sense of spirituality and reverence for the environment. Through performances in Portuguese and Ze’eng et’é, Zahy communicates the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and sharing their stories through theater. The play sheds light on the sustainable practices of Indigenous communities and their vital role in conserving nature.
Both La Memoria de los Sésiles and Azira’i: um Musical de Memórias offer unique perspectives on our relationship with nature and the need to rethink our interactions with the environment. As part of the Destinos festival, these plays provide a platform for cultural exchange and reflection on pressing environmental issues, inviting audiences to engage with these important themes in a meaningful way.
