**Theater for Children Kicks Off**
The much-anticipated Theater Week for Children “Ray Garduño” in Baja California has begun, offering a series of enriching theatrical experiences designed for children ranging from infancy to 12 years of age. This initiative, organized by the Colectivo de Teatro en Espiral, aims to uphold children’s rights to access arts and cultural venues. The event is a collaborative production with the Tijuana Cultural Center (Cecut), the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), and the International Community Foundation A.C., backed by support from the Cultural and Artistic Festivals Support Program (PROFEST) 2024.
From October 6th to 12th, the show will feature performances crafted specifically for young audiences. Each day at 6:00 pm, spectators can enjoy these free presentations, with troupes hailing from Veracruz, Chiapas, Baja California, Mexico City, Oaxaca, State of Mexico, and even Cyprus.
The week kicked off on Sunday, October 6th, with “Trenza,” a performance for children aged zero to four by the Colectivo de Teatro en Espiral. The play focuses on collaboration and understanding in achieving common goals, highlighting how different perspectives can be appreciated and understood over time.
On Monday, October 7th, audiences aged five and up can enjoy “El oso que no lo era.” This play by Mano y Contramano explores themes of identity and difference, along with environmental conservation versus industrial progress.
Tuesday, October 8th, brings the international flair of Cyprus’s Haus Company Theatre with “BAM BOOM,” an anti-war play seen through the innocent eyes of children, intended for those aged six and up.
For children aged six and older, Wednesday, October 9th, offers “El misterio de Belisa” by La Gorgona Teatro, unraveling a dark secret in a community shrouded in mystery and disappearance.
On Thursday, October 10th, children five and up can view “Idiotas Teatro con Pájaro,” a story of two men seeking a place of comfort and ultimately looking to the skies for answers.
Friday, October 11th, features “Los cuervos no se peinan” by the Clepsidra company for those four and older, weaving a tale of friendship through a captivating blend of masks, gestures, and puppetry.
The week concludes on Saturday, October 12th, with “Josefina,” the story of a hearing-impaired girl with a gift for seeing into people’s souls, presented by the Dionisiacas company. This show, intended for children six and older, underscores the deep connection between humans and nature.
**Additional News**
In related cultural news, the National Poetry Prize has been awarded to the talented poet Marco Dalí Corona Romero, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the literary field. Meanwhile, a local theater initiative in Baja California highlights children’s access to cultural experiences, as part of a broader policy to enhance public engagement with the arts.
In other updates, UABC has announced a week dedicated to children’s theater with performances taking place from October 6th to 12th in Ensenada, Tecate, and Tijuana. This festival promises to provide an array of performances geared towards young audiences, fostering a love for the arts from an early age. Additionally, local employment regulations are under discussion, particularly concerning the impact of potential labor schedule reductions on economic sectors active over weekends.