Ten Fertile Years

Born in Olanchito. Growth and development in El Progreso, the city from which it has learned to project the warmth of a message in which the highest ethical values are married to the esthetic in order to promote better understanding among men.

We are referring -- obviously -- to the group teatro la fragua, which in 1989 celebrates ten years of continuous work.

The endeavor has not been a small one. Presentation of classical plays. Elaboration of texts in which religious themes are projected in a renewed perspective. Participation in demonstrations and festivals in various parts of the country. Promotion of courses and workshops for the formation of actors, for the mounting of stage works, for the construction of masks and puppets, etc. Programs of support of guest artists (at the moment they count on the help of the great Colombian actor and director Germán Garzón). In sum, a constant search for the best form of expression.

For the members of the company of teatro la fragua, artistic activity has not been a weekend diversion. With a professional vision, it is daily work on a full-time schedule. And this perspective has borne fruit. At the moment la fragua is one of the few theatrical groups (probably the only one in the country) whose members earn their living by their theatrical work. As it should be and as it is in every civilized nation on earth.

la fragua is also one of the few artistic groups in the country which can count on its own headquarters: a lovely hall which provides all the basic necessities for good stage work. A theatre conceived with permanence in mind.

On top of this we have to add something much more intangible but not for that reason any less valuable: the members of la fragua are imbued with a work philosophy of solidarity. On various occasions they have been the hosts and promoters of activities of the Honduran Theatre Community, of which they are members. Thus we have all come to experience their generous spirit.

This work ethic has sustained them through a decade. In Honduras, where the conditions for artistic work are incredibly difficult, that says a great deal in itself. Surely the road of la fragua has been paved with many bitter moments. Which makes their work all the more praiseworthy. And so we can do no less than offer our congratulations to Edy Barahona, Guillermo A. Fernández, José Ramón (Chito) Inestroza, Oscar A. Cardoza, José Ramón Bardales, Rigoberto Fernández, Dagoberto Bonilla, Luis A. Vásquez, and Mario Inestroza. And especially to the driving force, Jack Warner.

-Helen Umaña
(Tiempo, San Pedro Sula, 13/5/89)