The Life and Works of Costa Rican Artist Amighetti Will be Celebrated Onstage.

Costa Rica’s National Theater is a place of sparkling colors, glorious music, and fantastic presentations that engage and entertain. Beginning on September 4, the theater will pull out all the stops once again, as they present a spectacular homage to Francisco “Paco” Amighetti, Costa Rican writer, poet, and artist.

The Symphonic Orchestra and University Dance Company joined forces to create the homage, which combines the expertise of several experts from around the world. The work’s choreography was created by Sandra Torijano, currently based in Michigan (USA); an original music score was created by Eddie Mora, composer and senior member of the UCR’s Fine Arts division; the homage’s scenery, based on Amighetti’s own works, was created by Eduardo Torijando, renowned Costa Rican artist. Together, their efforts produced a visually stunning stage that will do justice to Amighetti’s creative genius and interesting life.

María Elena Carballo, Minister of Culture, considers the homage to be a huge challenge for Costa Rica’s artists, requiring them to incorporate different forms and mediums into one huge work, requiring an uncommon amount of cooperation and teamwork. Indeed, though interdisciplinary teamwork is not unheard of, it is not often needed, since the National Theater usually invites international companies and troops into its hallowed halls, or produces single-discipline works, like a concert by the National Symphonic Orchestra. “For this occasion, we’ve been able combine the work of the National Symphonic Orchestra, the University Dance Company, the Costa Rican Art Museum and other institutions, which has made us consider continuing in this type of venture,” Carballo commented.

Such teamwork is very appropriate for such a production, since it mirrors Amighetti’s life and talents. Born in 1907, Amighetti was of Italian descent. As his interest and artistic talent grew, he was encouraged by teachers to pursue his dreams, and so the young Amighetti enrolled in the Academia de Bellas Artes, or Academy of Fine Arts. Though he had learned many techniques during his studies, Amighetti joined forces with many of his contemporaries to reject traditional art forms, preferring more rebellious styles like Surrealism. Throughout his life, Amighetti always strove to master more, and in addition to his famous xylographs, the artist created watercolors, oil paintings, drawings, writings, and many more. Francisco Amighetti died in 1998, at the age of 91.

In addition to being an homage to Amighetti’s long and full life, this week’s presentation will also be a celebration of the University Dance Company’s 30th anniversary. Over the years, the company has nurtured many dancers and choreographers, who today play key rolls in Costa Rica’s artistic development. In addition, the National Dance Company has won several awards and honors in the past thirty years, such as Best Group and Best Choreographer, in part for its efforts to create works that truly reflect Living in Costa Rica and the Costa Rican spirit.

To make reservations for the Francisco “Paco” Amighetti Homage, visit www.teatronacional.go.cr, or call 2221-5341 for ticket prices and showtimes. As always, be warned that tickets for the National Theater sell out quickly.

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Filed under: Living on September 2nd, 2008