The Scotiabank Northern Lights Music Festival just gets better every year and festival founder and Artistic Director Christopher Wilshere has devised yet another exciting program for its upcoming thirteenth season.

While the intriguing history of the Mexica people, founders of the mighty Aztec Empire, has been related in hundreds of history books and Internet websites, dry readings on the tribe’s mysterious origins don’t compare with “Chicomoztoc: The Untold Legend,” a dazzling dance spectacle produced by gifted lakeside choreographer Luis Guzmán.

Director Peggy Lord Chilton and the cast of Lakeside Little Theatre’s production of “Wrong Turn at Lungfish” have done an excellent job transforming a rather lackluster script into an entertaining production, despite potentially sensitive subject matter and occasionally risqué material which, to judge by a few empty seats after intermission, may upset some audience members.

Respected Canadian professional director, actress and local resident Roseann Wilshere, will run a series of Scene Study Workshops beginning on Monday, February 2, between 3  and 5:30 p.m. at the new Bravo! Theatre on Rio Bravo, Ajijic as an integral part of the new theater’s repertoire.

Wilshere’s technique is based on the book “Audition” by Michael Shurtleff, a devotee of the great Russian master Stanislavski. 

Actors of all levels, from beginner to experienced, are welcome. Organizers will pair up skill levels as much as possible, so those with experience are urged to provide aresume.  

Participants will perform a scene a minimum of five minutes in length and a maximum of 15. They may choose their own scene partner and a scene from a play or a movie. 

Enrolled in a supportive scene study group, participating actors will learn, rehearse and present their scene to the group at various stages. 

Participants will then critique the work under Wilshere’s moderation for the first series, and subsequently with various special guests and other experienced facilitators throughout the year.

Learning to analyze one’s own and each other’s scenes, and do it constructively, is a key element of these workshops, alongside learning to act by doing and practicing.  

A showcase of scenes will be performed for the public every twelve weeks or so, for workshop members who wish to participate.  Anyone may come and watch at any time for 50 pesos. 

Wilshere says that the workshops’ Mission is, “To provide a place where actors, playwrights and directors can work together to continue to develop their craft and to experiment with new forms in creative theatre work.  Directors may arrange with actors to direct scenes and playwrights may have their new scenes performed.”

“We will be in pursuit of excellence in all forms of theatre arts and we will never be satisfied. It will be a place to continually look for ways to improve our art.”

Workshop fees for participants and observers are 50 pesos per workshop or 250 pesos for a series of six, which do not have to be consecutive. For more details and to register your scene e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The four abstract stone figures produced during the recently completed Encuentro de Escultores have been placed on provisional display along Chapala’s waterfront Malecón.

Starting out with two-ton blocks of raw cantera, distinguished artists Estela Hidalgo, Dolores Ortiz, David Agredano and Estanislao Contreras carve

ms representing the theme of water and lake conservation works in the course of the 10-day marathon that took place in the open air workshop set up under tents stretched along the beach.d out for

At the closing ceremony held on Sunday, January 18, the sculptors signed a notarized act establishing ownership of the sculpt

ures to the city of Chapala. Each of the artists received an inscribed commemorative plaque in thanks for his and her creative efforts. Certificates of appreciation were handed out to the numerous local businesses, government officials and private citizens who lent support to the project. 

Guadalajara architect Pablo Robles Gómez, a specialist in urban design, was introduced as the professional who is spearheading a community committee that will select locations for the permanent installation of the art works. Although Robles comes to the table with certain ideas in mind, he stressed the committee members will take public opinion into account to reach consensus on the most ide

al spots. Appropriate materials and design for display bases will also come into the discussion. 

“We want to find places where the art fits harmoniously into the urban context without detracting from the landscape and where the scenery doesn’t overwhelm the individual sculptures,” the architect observes. “They should become local icons, identified as points of reference by the populace.”

The Orquesta Típica de Chapala closed out the event with the performance of lively Mexican tunes that added a festive note to the occasion. 

Javier Zaragoza has some surprises in store for art lovers attending the exhibit he has put together for the Centro Cultural de Ajijic, opening Saturday, January 31, 4 to 6:30 p.m. 

The accomplished master of realism will be showing a dozen new paintings wrapped together under the title Cielos Salvajes (savage skies), reflecting a departure from his accustomed style to explore a different and challenging avenue in artistic expression. 

The collection includes depictions of mythical figures drawn from local lore and lake scenes dominated by heavenly skyscapes, transporting the viewer beyond earthly dimensions. The core display will be complemented by selected retrospective works dating back to the 1970’s.  

Guests at the inaugural reception will be welcomed with music and cocktails.