Teatro Esquina Latina (Cali): multiplicación sostenible

Abstract

This essay discusses the work of the Colombian theater collective Esquina Latina . Through their grass roots theater groups they seek to promote social inclusion among young people in the impoverished communities of Cali and the surrounding areas. Using collective creation, each group (today there are 14) produces their own plays about problems they encounter in their communities. Many of the leaders of these groups started participating in Esquina Latina's grass root theater groups when they were very young. Esquina Latina is an example of a sustainable model for social advancement, and they are now training a third generation of cultural and social leaders in their own communities. In the essay, parallels will be drawn between Esquina Latina and the Argentine foundation Crear Vale la Pena , which also works for the social advancement of impoverished young populations through the arts.