Ballads and blarney from Literary Cabaret
By Meredith Beaumont (Mar 17, 2006)

The Literary Cabaret will be "wearing the green" for the last presentation of their winter season in San Miguel de Allende. The peripatetic trio, who all hail from the British Isles, will be taking a look at Irish and Anglo-Irish literature in their usual tongue-in-cheek fashion-with a liberal pouring of lilting love songs, rollicking sing-alongs and satirical ditties.

From the 12th until the early 20th centuries, the literature of England and Ireland was somewhat intertwined. During that time, Anglo-Irish writers made a rich and vigorous contribution to English literature through luminaries such as Swift, Congreve, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Wilde and Shaw. Their writings, though, were not primarily concerned with the matter of Ireland or "Irishness" and fitted perfectly into the drawing rooms of London and the intellectualism of the day. 

However, since the Irish Literary Revival began in the 1880s, the existence and memory of a literature in Gaelic has interacted with the adopted vernacular. The Literary Cabaret's program will include revivalists such as the elegiac and rhetorical W. B. Yeats, the subtly humorous J. M. Synge and the fiercely beautiful poetry of Lady Gregory, who, together with others, forged the soul of the imminently independent nation.

The zany writings of BBC Radio's "Goon Show" alumnus Spike Milligan will be represented with a dramatized excerpt from his hilarious novel Puckoon, as well as the satirical works of poet Paul Durcan and the comic and fantastic world of the eccentric Brian O'Nolan.

During the first half of the 20th century, Ireland was seized with narrow, inwardly looking patriotism which, together with a reactionary Catholic clerisy, directly impoverished cultural life. Writers such as Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, and Sean O'Casey were forced to live abroad, their work being banned in their own country. In recent years, however, brilliant playwrights and poets have emerged with distinctive Irish voices, and, since the Republic's decision not to tax artists' earnings, writers of all nations, including Seamus Heaney (to be featured), have moved there.

The Literary Cabaret-A Touch o' the Blarney
Tuesday-Friday, March 21-24 8pm
La Cava de la Princesa
Recreo 3
50 pesos

The right chuckle at the right time

One of the most entertaining shows of the season hits again and again, right in the funny bone! The Comedy of the Universe's hilarious takes on the human condition have never failed to cause spontaneous eruptions of laughter. For five years this comedy company has delighted San Miguel audiences, at least twice a year, with its clean and joyful skits.

By popular demand and because three shows in a row were sold out, the group is offering two encore performances, the second especially for students.

The Comedy of the Universe is known for its fast-paced, vaudeville-style repertoire that hits the mark whether it depicts the mundane or the sublime. The troupe consists of talented young actors headed by José Luis Mendoza. 

They are committed to delivering love, joy and clean entertainment all aimed at making the audience roar with laughter. Their shows are very popular among local audiences and always surprise newcomers and visitors.

This performance includes the favorites "The Violinist" and the "Femme Orquestra" and also celebrates the opera Carmen, which is coming soon to San Miguel.

Tickets are on sale at the theater beginning at 4pm.

"With the Wrong People at the Wrong Time"
The Comedy of the Universe variety show
Saturday, March 25, 8pm, 
100 pesos
Sunday, March 26, 4pm matinee for students under 25 with school ID, 20 pesos
Teatro Santa Ana, Reloj 50

The Troupe Poquelan invites you into the wonderful world of Las Hermanas Caparachón (The Caparachón Sisters), a two-act, original comedy by Flora Esperón. Come enjoy this fun play-and practice your Spanish! 

Theater for children
Las Hermanas Caparachón
Sunday, March 19, 7pm
Teatro Santa Ana, Reloj 50
Free

Dramatized reading of Gogol's Madman's Diary by Bruno Schwebel
Saturday, March 18, 8pm and Sunday, March 19, 4pm
Santa Ana Theater, Reloj 50
100 pesos