{"id":106,"date":"2021-06-04T13:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-04T13:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/?page_id=106"},"modified":"2021-06-04T13:59:01","modified_gmt":"2021-06-04T13:59:01","slug":"the-national-theatre-of-costa-rica-heart-of-the-city","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/the-national-theatre-of-costa-rica-heart-of-the-city\/","title":{"rendered":"The National Theatre of Costa Rica: Heart of the City"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Nicole Vindas Zumbado<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image 1. The National Theatre of Costa Rica.\u00a0Gonz\u00e1lez, Melissa. \u201cTeatro Nacional anunci\u00f3 su programaci\u00f3n 2016.\u201d\u00a0La Rep\u00fablica.\u00a0<\/em>February 10th<\/sup>, 2016. https:\/\/www.larepublica.net\/noticia\/teatro_nacional_anuncio_su_programacion_2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At the very heart of Costa Rica\u2019s artistic and cultural scene is a place that has been treasured by Costa Ricans for more than a century. There is something truly striking about our National Theatre. Perhaps it is the fact that its architecture is so different from that of any other building in the country; a visual reminder of something you might find in Europe, but still so distinctly Latin American at its core. Perhaps it is its long and fascinating history; a place visited by so many names that are renowned around the world, that it is enough to give any visitor goosebumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, over the past few decades, the National Theatre has lost much of its respect and prestige. Is it because new generations are not as appreciative of such institutions? Is it because technology and streaming services have replaced the feeling of attending a live concert?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My hope for this venue guide is to inform readers, wherever they may be, of a true gem located at the very center of my country; a reminder of a spellbinding place that is worth visiting, but is often, tragically, overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The National Theatre of Costa Rica is located in the capital city of San Jos\u00e9, on the 2nd Avenue, between the 3rd and 5th streets. Construction began on January 1891, and took six years to be completed. It was inaugurated on October 19th<\/sup>, 1897, with a special performance of the famed opera, \u201cFausto\u201d (Cart\u00edn).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most renowned aspects of the National Theatre is its architecture, which was primarily based on European styles found in countries such as Germany and France. Its paintings and sculptures are a mixture of the work of both Costa Rican and foreign artists. The most famous painting in the building, and one of the best-known in the country, is called \u201cAllegory of Coffee and Bananas,\u201d painted by an Italian named Aleardo Villa in 1896 (\u201cEl comercio\u201d). This is one of several ceiling murals that can be found throughout the theatre, and was meant to represent the life of traditional Costa Ricans during that time period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Theatre has hosted dozens of important events attended by world-famous individuals. Some of these include U.S. president, John F. Kennedy, back in 1963, as well as President Ronald Reagan in 1982 (Miller).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image 2. Allegory of Coffee and Bananas.\u00a0\u201cCosta Rica\u2019s National Theater mural named one of \u201810 great ceilings around the world\u2019.\u201d\u00a0The Tico Times.\u00a0January 20th, 2014.\u00a0
https:\/\/ticotimes.net\/2014\/01\/20\/costa-ricas-national-theater-mural-named-one-of-10-great-ceilings-around-the-world<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Image 3. The inside of the National Theatre.\u00a0Otegui Palacios, Sergio. \u201cSan Jos\u00e9, con gusto.\u201d\u00a0Nada incluido.\u00a0January 30th, 2015. https:\/\/www.nadaincluido.com\/san-jose-costa-rica\/#Teatro_Nacional_de_Costa_Rica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to Do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to visiting the National Theatre, the most recommended option in order to have the complete experience is to attend a live performance. Usually, the theatre hosts productions ranging from concerts, to plays, to dance recitals. However, this has all changed as Costa Rica, like the rest of the world, faces the sanitary crisis of COVID-19. Regretfully, all performances have been canceled until further notice by the Ministry of Health. However, Costa Ricans and tourists alike can still enjoy the theatre\u2019s facilities by making a reservation for a guided tour. Tours are currently available every day of the week, from 9am to 4pm. The cost per person is\u00a0\u00a21,695, which is equal to $2.75. There are reduced fees for the elderly, and children under twelve can go in for free (\u201cTurismo\u201d). Guests can learn more about the history and architecture of the building, while touring its different sections: the lobby, the foyer, and the auditorium itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Theatre also comes with a wonderful caf\u00e9, Alma de Caf\u00e9, which opened in 2011. Alma de Caf\u00e9 specializes in traditional Costa Rican meals and, of course, serves only the best coffee that our country has to offer. It is open from 9am to 7pm on Mondays through Saturdays, and from 9am to 6pm on Sundays (\u201cCaf\u00e9\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image 4. The inside of Alma de Caf\u00e9. Bendfeldt-D\u00edaz, Paula. \u201cTraveling to Costa Rica? 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn\u2019t Skip Visiting San Jos\u00e9.\u201d\u00a0Growing Up Bilingual: Cultura, Travel & Familia.\u00a0
https:\/\/growingupbilingual.com\/traveling-to-costa-rica-5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-skip-visiting-san-jose\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our National Theatre is a shining example of all of the best aspects of Costa Rica: the talent that can be found inside our nation, our passion for the arts, as well as the warmth and fun-loving nature of the Costa Rican people. In a survey that I conducted earlier this month, I asked the following question: \u201cWhat are your personal thoughts on the Costa Rican National Theatre?\u201d Some of the answers that I received were the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think the new generations should appreciate the theatre more for its cultural contribution to our country\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI believe it is a national symbol that promotes our art and culture\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is a monument worth knowing\u201d (Vindas Zumbado)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was pleasantly surprised by the results of my survey, given that I specifically asked Costa Ricans in their college and teenage years. It is reassuring to know that at least a sector of our young population still admires our National Theatre and recognizes its importance for our country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hopefully, this guide has served to provide some insight into one of the best tourist attractions that our country has to offer. It is very different from what most people expect from Costa Rica, which would be our beaches and rainforests. However, I believe that it represents another distinct facet of Costa Rican life. I cannot wait for the day that the Theatre\u2019s doors fully open again, so that people from all around the world can experience a world-class performance in a world-class institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Works Cited<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Administrator. \u201cCaf\u00e9.\u201d\u00a0Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica.\u00a0<\/em>Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud. https:\/\/www.teatronacional.go.cr\/Cafeteria<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Administrator. \u201cEl comercio y la agricultura de Costa Rica.\u201d\u00a0Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica.\u00a0<\/em>Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud. https:\/\/www.teatronacional.go.cr\/Galeria\/coleccion-detalle\/137\/el-comercio-y-la-agricultura-de-costa-rica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Administrator. \u201cTurismo y visitas guiadas.\u201d\u00a0Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica.\u00a0<\/em>Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud. https:\/\/www.teatronacional.go.cr\/Visitenos\/turismo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cart\u00edn, Maritza. \u201cTeatro Nacional de C.R., San Jos\u00e9, 1851-1900.\u201d\u00a0Mi Costa Rica de Anta\u00f1o<\/em>. June 9th<\/sup>, 2016. https:\/\/micostaricadeantano.com\/2016\/06\/09\/teatro-nacional-de-c-r-vista-posterior-desde-calle-5\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Miller, Michael. \u201cThe National Theater of Costa Rica, The Nation\u2019s Cultural Treasure.\u201d\u00a0Q Costa Rica.\u00a0<\/em>December 10th<\/sup>, 2016. https:\/\/qcostarica.com\/the-national-theater-of-costa-rica-the-nations-cultural-treasure\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vindas Zumbado, Nicole. \u201cTeatro Nacional.\u201d Survey. May 17th<\/sup>, 2021.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Nicole Vindas Zumbado At the very heart of Costa Rica\u2019s artistic and cultural scene is a place that has been treasured by Costa Ricans for more than a century. There is something truly striking about our National Theatre. Perhaps it is the fact that its architecture is so different from that of any other […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11392,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-106","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11392"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=106"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/106\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":112,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/106\/revisions\/112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/wr301s2021\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}