Summary of Retos, saber y cultura · Karla Covarrubias

00:00:00 - 00:40:00

Karla Covarrubias, a researcher from the University of Colima, discusses her research project on the social and cultural impact of itinerant micro theater in vulnerable communities in Colima, Mexico. The project aimed to promote environmental culture, inclusive culture, and informal education through the use of micro theater as a tool. Covarrubias explains the methodology of the project, including workshops and fieldwork, and highlights the positive reception of the performances by the community. She also emphasizes the transformative and educational aspects of theater and advocates for more theater projects and initiatives to enrich society. Additionally, the speaker mentions the importance of integrating research projects with teaching practices for students' educational development.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Karla Covarrubias, a researcher from the University of Colima, discusses her research on the social and cultural impact of itinerant micro theater in vulnerable communities in Colima, Mexico. The study, conducted in 2016, aimed to identify the effects of this cultural event in eight neighborhoods and seven public schools. The project involved bringing a cultural event called micro theater, which featured Japanese puppets, to these communities. Covarrubias explains that the project was funded by the Ministry of Culture and aimed to generate information on the social and cultural impact of this event.
• 00:05:00 In this section, Karla Covarrubias discusses her involvement in a project promoting environmental culture through a civil association called "Sembrando Cultura Ambiental". They worked with activists and artists to visit schools and communities, conducting demographic research and promoting a culture of environmental awareness. The project involved 18 students from various fields, including communication, philosophy, and education, and aimed to use micro-theater as a tool for informal education. The project embraced the principles of inclusive culture and informal education, believing that everyone should have access to a common culture and that differences should be accepted and celebrated. The goal was to reduce social exclusion and integrate people into society through education, particularly in vulnerable situations. Covarrubias emphasizes the importance of informal education in promoting values and life skills in public spaces, complementing formal education in schools.
• 00:10:00 In this section, Karla Covarrubias discusses her research project that combined formal and informal education, micro-theater, and environmental culture promotion. The project involved living in various neighborhoods, interacting with people, and analyzing the social dynamics. Covarrubias explains the methodological approach of the project, which included workshops and fieldwork to respect the territories of the neighborhoods. She also mentions the use of surveys to gather diverse perspectives. The research took place in four municipalities in Mexico and involved visiting different colonies and conducting micro-theater performances. Despite the challenges faced, such as dealing with vulnerability and social issues, Covarrubias describes the experience as rewarding and impactful.
• 00:15:00 In this section, Karla Covarrubias discusses the "carromato," a theater on wheels that was designed to promote cultural education through micro theater performances. The carromato was heavy and required a truck for transportation. It had 40 seats and was used to showcase short plays, particularly focused on environmental awareness. Covarrubias explains that the carromato was not a puppet theater like the ones found in Japan, but rather a unique adaptation that involved human-sized puppets. The performances were well-received by the community, attracting people of all ages who enjoyed the free event. However, the carromato faced challenges with informal vendors setting up near the waiting area, leading to restrictions on eating and drinking inside the theater. Despite these tensions, the carromato provided a comfortable and accessible cultural experience for families, children, and elderly individuals in the neighborhood.
• 00:20:00 In this section, Karla Covarrubias discusses the actions and attitudes observed during their research, particularly focusing on the everyday activities of people in the theater. The observations reveal that people eat, drink, play, and interact with others in this space. The linguistic expressions of men and women also differed, with men appearing more confident and secure while women engaged in more reflective discussions. The logistical aspect of coordinating the event was also highlighted, with women being highly participative and expressing their concerns and ideas about their everyday lives. Overall, the experience was well-received by the population, leading to important conversations and motivations for change.
• 00:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses their experiences with micro-theater and the reactions they received from the community. They noticed that people were surprised and curious about why they were bringing theater to their neighborhood, as they believed that nobody cared about them. However, the adults paid attention and even monitored the events, while the children were eager to participate. The speaker observed that emotions were heightened during the performances, both positive and negative, as the community expressed their thoughts and feelings. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the humanity of the individuals they work with and the need for inclusive culture and informal education.
• 00:30:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the impact of theater as a means of communication, information, and education. They explain that theater not only has an emotional impact on people but also has significant social and cultural implications. The speaker emphasizes that theater can be used to educate on various topics such as environmental awareness and teen pregnancy prevention. They highlight the aesthetic elements of theater, such as the use of puppets, that resonate with people and create a deeper understanding of art. The speaker also mentions that the experience of theater brings joy and gratitude to the audience, especially those from marginalized communities who may not have access to such cultural events. Overall, the speaker advocates for more theater projects and initiatives to enrich society.
• 00:35:00 In this section, Karla Covarrubias talks about a project involving micro theater that aimed to promote social interaction and community building. She highlights how the project allowed people to establish relationships and engage in playful activities, fostering a sense of inclusivity. Covarrubias emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions and the limitations imposed by the pandemic. She also mentions the positive impact of the project on neighborhood dynamics and the potential benefits of promoting a culture of citizenship and interaction among residents. The project not only provided entertainment but also served as a form of education, allowing participants to learn and engage with various artistic and cognitive elements. Covarrubias concludes by emphasizing the transformative and educational aspects of the project, and expresses hope that similar initiatives will continue to receive support and promote public participation.
• 00:40:00 In this section, the speaker mentions that projects like the one being discussed in the video are highly useful in addressing societal concerns and bringing awareness to various issues. They believe that it is important to continue promoting such projects, as they provide valuable learning opportunities for students and contribute to the overall development of society. The speaker also highlights the positive impact of integrating research projects with teaching practices, suggesting that it enhances students' educational experience and encourages them to actively engage in research. Overall, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these topics and encourages further progress in this field.