euskalkultura.eus

This Saturday, February 24^th, the musical “Bihotza Mintza” will debut in the Zenith Room in Pau, produced by the local Basque club, Lagunt eta Maita, culminating the Béarnaise euskal etxea’s 50^th anniversary celebrations.  It was a huge effort with 60 singers, dantzaris and 10 musicians who began rehearsals some 10 months ago in order to bring this original show, written by Christian Larralde, that tells the story of young Johañe who immigrated to Bearn from Euskal Herria, to the stage.

Pau, France.   They have been rehearsing since last April.  They aren’t professionals, although to many audience members, and due to so much rehearsing, they may appear as such. They inspire excitement, dedication, and an abundance of enthusiasm, and it is precisely this commitment to their euskal etxea and what it represents in their lives, and to the city of Pau, the values that truly merit this show that they will perform for members, friends and neighbors. They have worked for ten months, on top of their jobs and daily occupations, rehearsing to prepare a special birthday cake that will be celebrated on February 24^th with the presentation of “Bihotza Mintza.”

The work, written by Christian Larralde, tells the story of young Johañe, a young Basque who decides to leave home, family and friends and immigrate to Bearn.  This is not the first foray into the musical genre on the boards of those who comprise this Basque club, since they have also performed other shows on the occasion of other festivals and anniversaries at Lagunt eta Maita including “Elkanoren semeak,” or “Izarbide.”

Themes treated in the story are coexistence, integration and the mutual contribution made by Basque emigrants to Bearn and vice versa.  It also mixes traditional and modern elements, in the musical score as well.

The Lagunt eta Maita Basque Club in Pau is a good sized club, in regards to number of families that belong to it, as well as in regards to the variety and profusion of the activities it organizes including Basque classes, Basque dance, men’s and women’s choirs, dance groups, txistu, charitable activities, and several activities regarding pelota.

You can purchase tickets to “Bihotza Mintza,” here.

After the performance, there will be a gathering with entertainment provided by the band, Koxegi.