Timaginas Teatro Revives "Magallanes Elcano" in La Laguna

Timaginas Teatro, a company from Tenerife, is bringing back one of its most famous plays, "Magallanes Elcano. The First Circumnavigation of the World." The show will be performed next Friday, January 30, at 8:30 PM at the Leal Theater in La Laguna. As the title suggests, this play tells the epic story of the first journey around the world.

The play is being revived to mark the 500th anniversary of Juan Sebastián Elcano's death, which happened in 1526. After its run in La Laguna, the company will take the show on tour to several Spanish cities, including Cartagena, Seville, Ferrol, and Madrid. The play was introduced at a press conference held at the Leal Theater this Monday.

At the press conference, Adrián del Castillo, La Laguna's Culture Councilor and president of the Autonomous Organization for Musical Activities (Oaam), stated that Timaginas Teatro "proves that high-quality shows, capable of moving, educating, and reaching audiences beyond the Canary Islands, are produced here." He also pointed out that the Spanish Navy specifically asked the company to revive the play, which first premiered in 2021.

Armando Jerez, the company's co-director and writer of the play, mentioned that special performances for schoolchildren will be held in educational centers on the island. The goal is to introduce children and young people to important historical events. Co-director María R. Ortega added that the soundtrack was created just for this production. She noted that "revisions and changes were made to make the show even more epic and moving."

The show's creators say that "Magallanes Elcano. The First Circumnavigation of the World" returns to the stage with a fresh perspective, updated details, and a lively tribute to the sailor who led a journey that changed global exploration and navigation forever.

For the company, bringing the play back is not just symbolic. It also "encourages us to think about how important this historical event was, and how its impact is still felt five centuries later."

The play explores the expedition's incredible journey, highlighting the challenges of the voyage, human conflicts, and environmental hurdles. It tells this story through its main characters: Magellan, Pigafetta, and Elcano. Elcano's determination and leadership were crucial in completing this historic trip.