The 'microteatro' season in warehouses and workshops of San Felipe: the alternative scene that doesn't make it into the guides
Did you know that in San Felipe, a neighborhood in Bogotá that has transformed into the heart of art and design, you can enjoy microteatro in spaces that used to be factories or workshops? These performances full of energy and closeness are drawing attention and you can't miss them!
In the block between Calle 72, Carrera 24 and Autopista Norte, microteatro has come to life: plays of no more than 15 minutes and for an audience of 20 people. The experience is so intimate that you can closely see the actor's emotion and feel like you're in a personal conversation with the story being told.
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Although Teatro Nacional and Colón remain the kings of the stage, San Felipe has seen the birth of a theatrical proposal that isn't found in the big tourist guides. Here, the programming is announced on Instagram, often with only three days' notice, and it fills up thanks to word of mouth. So stay alert!
Event details: lineup, program and dates
The microteatro performances in San Felipe are an adventure that constantly changes. There is no fixed season, so the best thing is to stay connected with the collectives that organize these experiences. This week, from October 5 to 7, 2023, you can enjoy plays such as “Cuerpos en Tensión” and “Fragmentos de Memoria” at La Zona Teatro and Casa E.
The collectives and the spaces
If you want to immerse yourself in this vibrant scene, pay attention to La Zona Teatro and Casa E. Both are located on Calle 71 with Carrera 24 and on Carrera 24 between Calles 72 and 73. They don't have a fixed schedule; they open only when there are performances, so make sure to check their social media frequently.
La Zona Teatro has established itself as a reference for microteatro in the area, presenting everything from contemporary dramas to comedies that will make you laugh out loud. Casa E mixes theater, performance and visual arts, taking advantage of the artistic environment surrounding San Felipe.
In addition, there are other spaces that transform into improvised stages. A workshop can become a theater for one night, simply by moving some furniture and hanging lights. That's how flexible the scene is!
What kind of plays will you see?
Microteatro follows simple rules: 15 minutes, a maximum of 20 people and a single dramatic situation. This leads playwrights to be creative and direct. Here you will find:
- Intimate monologues: a single actor sharing a story less than two meters away from you.
- Tension duos: two characters in a conflict they cannot escape.
- Sensory theater: where the senses are involved in the plot.
- Neighborhood comedy: everyday stories from Bogotá that will make you laugh and reflect.
A night of microteatro can last between two and three hours, with several plays presented at 10-minute intervals. It is common for the audience to move between different corners of the same warehouse to enjoy several stories in a single evening.
Dates and validity
In October 2023, the microteatro scene remains vibrant and active. Weekends (Thursday to Saturday) are the most likely days to find performances, and some collectives even dare to present on Wednesdays, taking advantage of the nighttime ciclovía that passes nearby. Don't forget to check their social media to stay up to date with the dates!
Prices and how to get tickets
Good news: microteatro in San Felipe is accessible. Prices for October 2023 range between $15,000 and $30,000 COP per performance. For what you pay for a ticket at a conventional theater, here you can enjoy two or three plays in the same night.
Where to buy?
- Instagram of the collectives: La Zona Teatro and Casa E publish their performances with little notice, and you can reserve by sending a direct message. Payment is made at the door, generally in cash or via Nequi/Daviplata.
- Vive el Teatro: the platform of the Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá, where some microteatro performances are listed, although not all of them are there.
- Cinemateca de Bogotá: its portal also promotes performing arts events, so it's a good place to stay informed.
- Word of mouth: in San Felipe, the cafés and galleries are informal information centers. Ask in a café on Calle 71 and you'll surely get the best recommendations.
Remember that most performances don't have a physical box office or online sales. If you don't reserve, you could be left without a spot, since capacity fills up quickly.
How to get there
San Felipe is easy to access, but your experience may vary depending on the means of transportation you choose.
By TransMilenio
The nearest station is Calle 76 (Caracas trunk line). From there, walk west along Calle 76 to Carrera 24 and go down to Calle 71. The walk takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use the Calle 72 station, although it is a little farther away.
By bicycle
Bogotá is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, and San Felipe has bike lanes that take you to the door of the microteatro spaces. Take advantage of Wednesdays with the nighttime ciclovía! Remember to bring lights and a lock, since although there are places to park, they are not always supervised.
By car or taxi
If you decide to go by car, there are parking areas on Calle 71 and Carrera 24, but they fill up quickly during performances. Services like Uber, DiDi or Cabify are good options. Keep in mind that traffic on Calle 72 can be heavy between 6 and 8 pm, so plan your time well.
Tips for attendees
- Arrive early: Performances start on time. If you arrive late, you could interrupt the play, and with small spaces, there is no comfortable waiting area.
- Bring cash: Although some collectives may accept transfers, many operate only in cash. Make sure to have bills on hand, since there won't always be ATMs nearby.
- Dress comfortably: You may be standing between performances and some warehouses don't have heating. Nights in San Felipe can be cold.
- Respect the silence: In microteatro, even a phone on vibrate can be heard. Silence your mobile before entering.
- Talk with the actors: Take advantage of the closeness to talk with them after the performance; the experience is even more enriching.
What it is and context
Microteatro in San Felipe represents an intimate and unique theatrical experience, where short plays are presented in reduced spaces, such as warehouses and workshops. This format has gained popularity in Bogotá, offering a fresh alternative to the conventional theater offering. In these spaces, the audience not only observes, but feels part of the play, due to the closeness to the actors and the immersive atmosphere.
San Felipe, a neighborhood that has evolved into the epicenter of art and design in Bogotá, is home to a variety of cultural initiatives. The warehouses and workshops that were once only workspaces now transform into creative stages that host works by new playwrights and emerging actors. The interaction between the audience and the artists, as well as the diversity of themes addressed, make this an enriching experience.
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