Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Carlos Lopez Pardo’s work as an actor and theater teacher is deeply informed by Colombian vernacular culture. Carlos first learned oral traditions, such as riddles, stories, children’s songs, legends, myths, and dramatic performances from his parents, who grew up in a region of Colombia that is rich with traditional culture. Carlos was surrounded by stories, festivities, and oral expressions that are increasingly rare in Colombia. He has returned to communities that have maintained these traditions such as the black and white carnival in Pasto, the fair of the Comuneros in Santander, El Petronio Álvarez in Cali, and learned from tradition bearers in the community. Carlos is passionate about bringing Colombian folklore into the theater space as means of preservation and reaching a larger audience. He has worked as both a writer and director to infuse traditional folklife into productions at the Ballet Tierra Colombiana and Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group in Memphis.
Oral tradition is a dynamic genre of folklore which is often emergent in performance. Improvisation and imitation are intrinsic to many Colombian stories and tales and are influenced by the creativity of the individual performer and the context in which they are shared. This combination makes them a lively and vibrant form of expression, but at the same time fragile when transmitted from one generation of performers to another because they are never written down. These riddles, stories, children’s songs, legends, and myths have cultural significance even beyond their ability to entertain and edify. Through these oral expressions, Colombians transmit socio-cultural values to each other and maintain Latin memory. Carlos explains their significance, “In Colombia, oral tradition is part of the formation of each individual. Through popular stories our grandparents, parents and teachers teach values, form character and cunning to navigate life; and it is evident that the majority of communities continue to use oral storytelling as a pedagogical resource in different environments today.” Carlos is passionate about preserving these oral traditions—in both the folk drama genre and in daily life—so they will not be forgotten.
As part of the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program this year, apprentice Dorimar Ferrer will study Colombian oral traditions with Carlos. Building off a rapport formed from several joint programs and projects, Dorimar is excited to make further cross-cultural connections between Puerto Rican and Colombian vernacular traditions. As a Puerto Rican, Dorimar explains, “I grew up listening to oral expressions from my parents and grandparents, many times they were shared in the car on the way to the supermarket or to a party. Meeting master storyteller Carlos Lopez was reconnecting with that part of my Latin heritage and culture that we often lose when we move to another country. Listening to maestro Carlos tell stories has inspired me to learn this traditional art form. To continue sharing Latin oral expressions in our community.” Dorimar learned that there are many similar expressions found between the two cultures and is excited to delve into these shared traditions that, “are part of the daily life of a Latino.” As the Executive Director of arts nonprofit Cazateatro, Dorimar is deeply ingrained in community service. She hopes to take what she learns from Carlos and continue to give back to the community. “Through my work in Memphis, I need to know the different Latin cultures to celebrate them and share them with our future generations. To educate about diversity in the Latin community. As the years have passed our Latino community continues to grow in Memphis. I believe it is our responsibility as adults and Latin artists for the younger generation to learn about their heritage and be able to continue celebrating wherever we live.”
