As a tribute to Russian dancer Nina Shestakova, who chose Mérida as her second home and is considered a pioneer of dance in Yucatán, Mayor Renán Barrera Concha inaugurated the Theater of the Arts this afternoon at the Municipal Dance Center.
The Mayor emphasized that the construction of this new space will benefit the entire community, reaffirming his commitment to continue contributing to the construction of a harmonious, just, and supportive society.
“This new space is conceived by and for the citizens because in Mérida, we always bet on and will continue to bet on a society that advances culturally, where artistic work is dignified through the construction of new spaces,” he emphasized.
He added that the opening of the Nina Shestakova Theater will complement the services offered at the Municipal Dance Center, which is celebrating its first 25 years of training girls, boys, young people, and adults in various dance disciplines in 2023.
In the presence of students, parents, teachers, representatives from the artistic and educational community, and government officials at various levels, Barrera Concha invited those present to continue working as a team, making use of the available spaces, thus supporting local artists and creators by attending performances.
Regarding this, José Dorantes Poot, president of the “Pepe Domínguez” Troubadour Association, celebrated the creation of the new theater and recognized the Mayor’s commitment to promoting culture in the Municipality.
“Like me, the artistic community is filled with joy and happiness because a new temple of art is born today,” he expressed.
Thanks to the excellent work of all the artists, he added, as well as the cultural authorities and the Mayor for the great work and effort they put into bringing art to all parts of the city. “Mérida, fill yourself with art in every corner!” he exclaimed.
On her part, Liliana Bolio Pinelo, the sub-director of Cultural Development, highlighted the event as a great moment for art and culture because Mérida now has a new space where the artistic community can showcase their talent for the enjoyment of the people of Mérida.
She also informed that the Theater of the Arts “Nina Shestakova” is located on the upper floor of the Municipal Dance Center and has a capacity for 180 people. It is equipped with staggered seating, carpeting, lighting and sound equipment with digital consoles, and a stage with theatrical dressing.
She explained that the stage opening measures 7.80 meters, the depth is 7.67 meters, and the legs (side curtains) are 1.50 meters wide.
She also mentioned that it has signage, fire extinguishers, access to the theater, emergency exits, and a terrace with ornamental plants.
It should be noted that during the month of July, 11 theater, music, regional plays, interdisciplinary, and children’s performances have been scheduled. The presentations will take place from Wednesday to Sunday, and admission will be free for all families.
The first show will be “Cuxum Potter and the Relics of the Market,” featuring the humor of Éric Ávila “Cuxum” and his regional theater company, in a parody of the “Harry Potter” film saga, on July 19th. That same week, the Trovemia group, Ricardo Melo Collí with “What Should We Do with this Mother-in-Law,” the “Show Time” (Hip Hop/Culture/Dance/Art/Acrobatics), and Titeradas with “Titerefiesta” will also perform.
From July 26th to 30th, there will be the “Paseo por España y hasta la Jarana” (dance), Los Juglares, the Tila María Sesto Show, the Authentic Sonora Mezcalera, Jooch (harvest), and the Censurado group.
In the coming months, the new theater will also host several selected projects from the Municipal Funds for Established and Young Creators, which are part of the Olimpo Season.
Before the ceremonial act, Los Juglares and Erik Ávila “Cuxum” and his regional theater company performed.
In addition, students from the seven disciplines taught at the Municipal Dance Center offered choreographies of classical, Spanish, contemporary, jazz, tap, Mexican, and jarana dances.
Finally, the construction of the theater involved an investment of 4.25 million pesos, which includes expenses for adapting the space into an auditorium, theatrical dressing, audio and lighting equipment, reinforcement of the base to support seats, dressing rooms, as well as gardening, irrigation systems, and painting in the Municipal Dance Center building.
TYT Newsroom