La Laguna Hosts 4th Ínsula Escénica Festival Until April 16

La Laguna is set to host the fourth Ínsula Escénica festival until April 16th. This cultural event, presented by the City Council, aims to use theatre to bring about social change. Titled "Speaking Memories," the project focuses on encouraging conversations between different generations and sharing personal stories, which are crucial for building stronger communities through culture.

Adrián del Castillo, La Laguna's Councillor for Culture and president of the Autonomous Organization of Musical Activities (OAAM), stressed how important the program is for encouraging people of different ages to interact and for helping participants think critically. Mr. Del Castillo also praised the organizers for their work in helping young people develop through artistic activities.

Oswaldo Bordón, the artistic director of Ínsula Escénica, thanked the city council for their support. He explained that this year's festival aims to highlight different community groups, spread culture beyond the main centres, and bring to life the stories held in the memories of both young and old.

Elsa López, who won the 2022 Canarias Literature Prize, attended the launch event and took part in a literary discussion at Casa Anchieta. The writer praised the effort to collect and pass on the memories of older people to younger generations, especially during what she called "moments of cultural darkness." Ms. López said she was pleased to see Ínsula Escénica taking place in La Laguna, calling it a "symbol of the culture and memory of the Canary Islands."

The festival will feature workshops, theatre labs, community projects, and free public exhibitions. These are open to everyone, but with a special focus on young people, seniors, and groups who find it harder to access cultural events. Activities will take place in schools like IES La Laboral, Cabrera Pinto, and Antonio González, as well as in various senior centres, the Adrián Alemán de Armas Municipal Library, and Casa Anchieta. Additionally, open public talks and discussions are planned for the Leal Theater and the Unión Tejina Theater, helping to spread cultural events across the area and make performing arts accessible to everyone.

Organised by the Horajasca company and the Laboratorio Escénico artistic centre, with support from La Laguna city council, Ínsula Escénica began in 2023. Since then, the project has promoted art as a key way to bring people together, encourage critical thinking, and strengthen social bonds, uniting artists, students, teachers, and the public in an experience described as "vibrant, critical, and profoundly human."