Sucre/Yotala

 Here we are, last days in Bolivia, we arrive nearby Sucre, in a small village called Yotala, where is situated Teatro De Los Andes, one of the most important theatre company in Bolivia. The company, originally created by Cesar Brie, Giampaolo Nalli and Naira Gonzales 20 years ago, is located in a peaceful farm, close to a small river. The theatre works as an art residence and hosts artist from all around the world.

In October of the last year we met in Italy, the Argentinean director Cesar Brie, working on a new play. Cesar is also director of two controversial documentaries, his first one, “Humilliados y Ofendidos” was based on the racist attack of right wing sympathizers against indigenous campesinos, came to the capital Sucre to attend of their president Evo Morales. But with his second documentary "Tahuamanu", he almost risks his life, and all the people close to him, deciding so to move.

The documentary talks upon a pacific manifestation of indigenous farmers, asking more rights for work the land, ended up with people killed even later on at the hospital.

The play of Teatro de Los Andes, “Un Sol Amarillo” (In a Yellow Sun) talks about an earthquake happened 7 years ago in a Bolivian small village. Through the witnesses of who survive, the play describes the tragedy, the corruption of the army and the politicians, the exodus and the memories of who been exploited in their own land.

Chatting with Giampaolo, the producer of the company, we find out how the theatre has been influenced by the local traditions. This is one: when someone died, after the funeral, the closest friend dressed as the death person, he’s visiting the family. The family is recognizing the friend as the death son, and he’s acting as he really is.

Talking with Gonzalo, which is from Potosi, tells us that in his town, once per year all the men are meeting in the main square for a big free fight…let’s think around 4000 to 6000 people that kicks and punches no stop. Just the death of a participant freezes the battle, and as usual who died is in Pachamama honor.

Now is time to go, slowly, taking the most crowded and slowest buses, we heading to Colombia, passing through Peru and Ecuador, with few stops somewhere, but Cali is waiting for us…the capital of salsa!