The initiative allowed students to explore social concerns through original performances.
By Brenda Figueroa Gómez
Journalism Student
The School of Arts, Design, and Creative Industries (EADIC, per its acronym in Spanish) recently held the Theatrical Marathon, an academic and artistic initiative that brought together students from the Theater program and other disciplines in a space for creation, expression, and stage experimentation.
The event, led by professor and academic leader of the Theater program, Heriberto Feliciano Rodríguez, took place at the Patio de las Artes to provide students with a platform to present original stage proposals. “The main focus of the marathon is to give students the opportunity to express the topics and concerns that matter to them as young people in society,” he said.
The presentations consisted of short pieces entirely developed by students, from writing and directing to acting. The professor highlighted that the experience allows students to apply what they have learned in class while fostering their development as creators.
The marathon format was characterized by agility and dynamism, with five- to seven-minute works presented consecutively. This structure, Feliciano Rodríguez explained, allows students to practice in a brief format adaptable to different spaces, while also enhancing creativity in alternative contexts.
For students, the experience represented a unique opportunity for artistic growth. Alahna Delgado Montalvo, a theater student, described the marathon as an important tradition. “It’s an amazing experience to do what I love outside a conventional theater,” she said.
She also highlighted the creative freedom of the process, which allows greater focus on storytelling and performance through the use of simple resources. She emphasized the value of teamwork in areas such as costume design and production.
Similarly, Natalia Ocasio Cruz, a student from the School of Business with a minor in Theater, praised the initiative’s open nature. She explained that the event welcomes students from different disciplines interested in theater. “It’s an open space for anyone who wants to create,” she said.
Ocasio Cruz, who wrote and directed her own piece, described the process as accessible and educational, with support from professors. Her work, centered on self-acceptance, was developed using her own resources, reflecting the marathon’s self-managed nature.
The event also stood out for its non-competitive approach, focusing instead on presentation and learning. “It’s not a competition; it’s a space to showcase our work and continue growing as creators,” Ocasio Cruz noted.
In line with the collaborative creativity fostered by EADIC, this initiative placed student creative processes at the forefront, inviting participants to experiment and learn collectively.