Student-Written Play 'Boca Adentro' Wins International Recognition at Hispanic American Playwriting Awards
The play Boca adentro, a collaborative production between playwright Lucila Juliá and Tenerife high school students, has received international recognition at the III Hispanic American Playwriting Award for Childhood for its innovative approach to youth theater.
The play Boca adentro has earned international recognition at the III Hispanic American Playwriting Award for Childhood, proving the success of teaching models that involve students in professional theater production. The University of Buenos Aires awarded a special mention in the Adolescence category to the play, which was co-written by playwright Lucila Juliá and high school students from the IES Andrés Bello in Tenerife.
The project’s success stems from its unique approach. Rather than a standard school assignment, the play was developed through a creative laboratory supported by the Canary Islands Government’s Juventud a Escena program. Premiering on April 30, the play reimagines Shakespeare’s The Tempest within a surreal setting—the inside of a whale—to explore themes of power, loyalty, and resilience.
Beyond the award, which includes the play’s publication and participation in expert forums, Boca adentro highlights a growing trend of using theater to encourage critical thinking. By engaging over 70 students in the creative process, the program goes beyond technical training to spark important conversations about the social issues facing young people today.
Migdalia Machín, from the Canary Islands Ministry of Culture, noted that professionalizing youth arts programs is essential for the future of the performing arts. This recognition from Argentina not only celebrates the quality of the work but also confirms the value of trusting younger generations to create meaningful stories about diversity and community.