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Teatro Indígena
The Mayan people have inhabited the Yucatan for more than
2,600 years. As the years have passed and they have been invaded
by the western world, it is interesting to know that they have preserved
many of their rites and rituals.
When you drive through the Mayan villages as you wander the Yucatan,
you may be wondering what goes on in these villages, what do they
do everyday, how do they live? To get an inside glimpse into the
lives of the Mayan people, Mrs. Maria Alicia Martinez, the State
of Yucatan Tourism Ministry and 470 Mayan people from the village
of Ticopo and some surrounding rural communities have gotten together.
After a year of practice, they are putting on the live theater presentation
called "Seven Moments in the Life of the Mayas." In one
hour and ten minutes you will be transported into their daily lives.
The wonderful accomplishment of this piece of theater is that it
preserves some of the customs, rituals, folklore and mysticism of
the people, things that are slowly being lost in the villages due
to the invasion of TV and other technology. Younger generations
are learning the dances, legends and folklore of their ancestors.
At the same time, the villages learn to appreciate and be proud
of their culture.
The show is unique in its staging and scope. The setting is a natural
one in a field in Ticopo, a village 21 kilometers from Merida on
highway 180 from Merida to Cancun. 470 Mayans ranging in ages from
four to 93 years of age participate in the show, which invites you
to be a witness to the daily activities in their lives. At times,
the show is traditional in presenting Mayan dances in costume. At
other times, you almost feel invisible as you watch them laughing,
running and playing. There is some acting involved, but very little.
Most of the activities are everyday activities, being carried out
by everyday people and you are watching.
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Above: Scenes from the lives of the Mayans
include Catholic observances alongside pre-Columbian ritual.
There's a nice treat at the end. Throughout most of the show, a
number of Mayan ladies are preparing a fire, and cooking handmade
tortillas. At the end of the show, these are handed out to the audience.
Don't miss the opportunity to have a freshly handmade tortilla....store-bought
or machine-made tortillas pale in comparison!
This show obviously has taken a lot of work and care to produce
and to maintain on a weekly basis. We hope that you will consider
taking the trip out to Ticopo to share in this unique experience.
Through this production, a tourist-oriented and cultural endeavor,
the Mayan culture can be shared with people from around the world.
Tickets cost 120 pesos and can be purchased at the box office right
before the show or at any Omega Photography store. Plan 30 minutes
for the trip from Merida to Ticopo, and a few minutes before the
show to buy some local snacks from the vendors in front of the gate.
Mayan communities are invited free of charge. Shows are on Saturdays
at 4:00 PM in Ticopo.
NOTE: The Teatro Indigena is no longer performing.
To read in Spanish click here  |
