Canary Islands Youth Theater Program Debuts 'Boca Adentro' at Espacio La Granja
The "Juventud a Escena" program in the Canary Islands will premiere the collaborative student production Boca adentro at Espacio La Granja on April 30, showcasing the professional skills of over 70 young participants in acting, technical production, and design.
Efforts to professionalize the performing arts for young people in the Canary Islands are gaining momentum. On Thursday, April 30, Espacio La Granja will host the premiere of Boca adentro (Inward), a theatrical production featuring over 70 students from various schools across Tenerife. As part of the second "Juventud a Escena" (Youth on Stage) program, this project goes beyond a typical school activity, serving as a creative lab where students explore acting, technical production, and stage design.
Supported by the regional Department of Culture, the initiative bridges the gap between classroom learning and the professional arts sector. Coordinated by Oswaldo Bordón of the Hojarasca company, the project encourages collaboration between different institutions: students from IES Andrés Bello handle the acting, while those from CIFP César Manrique manage lighting and sound. Additionally, students from CIFP Las Indias are responsible for costumes and makeup, and the Fernando Estévez School of Art and Higher Design created the set and visual identity.
The creative process began last October, focusing on the concerns of students aged 13 to 17. After a series of workshops and brainstorming sessions, playwright Lucila Juliá turned their ideas into a final script. Throughout the process, the students also attended professional performances to help them develop a deeper, more critical understanding of theater.
The premiere at Espacio La Granja will include two performances on Thursday: an 11:00 a.m. show for schools and a 7:00 p.m. show open to the public. Tickets for the evening performance can be reserved through the venue’s website. By fostering both creative thinking and technical skills, this program aims to prepare students for future careers in the island's creative industries.