World Opera Lab

Article on Sujuy Ja’ in RealidadesYucatán 🤍

“Art and Science Weave a Bridge to Raise Awareness About Water

As part of the work of the ECOS Yucatán Network, the stage play and opera “Sujuy Ja’” was presented in Izamal.

Through research based on oral tradition, historical accounts, and records on the Mayan worldview of water, the play Sujuy Ja’ (Sacred Water) provided members of the ECOS Yucatán Network with a space to reflect on the care of this vital resource, highlighting the link between art and science as drivers of social awareness.

Directed by Miranda Lakerveld, the play was presented at the Yucatán State Center for Training, Research, and Humanistic Dissemination (CECIDHY) in Izamal, before an audience of more than 200 people, including high school students, members of water rights groups from various communities, and researchers.

During the presentation, the head of the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (Secihti), Geovanna Campos Vázquez, emphasized the importance of creating multidisciplinary spaces to share knowledge and experiences regarding key environmental and social challenges, such as access to, care for, and management of water.

For his part, researcher José Carlos Pintado Patiño, coordinator of the thematic network on Urbanism, Environment and Environmental Risks (Umare), explained that expressions that celebrate the region's natural and cultural resources help society reflect both intellectually and from a community perspective.

“Exposing ourselves to these kinds of experiences through song and the Mayan language fosters greater sensitivity to the issue. Beyond natural resources, this relates to the appropriation of territory and identity,” he noted.

He added that Umare strengthens intersectoral collaboration to promote public policies that support sustainability and the environment. Among the achievements highlighted was the holding of an open forum on the Water Law, with the participation of various sectors, as well as the ongoing work on issues such as the orderly development of coastal areas.

Regarding the play, Mayan actress and playwright Socorro Loeza Flores explained that the project is based on ancient texts such as the Popol Vuh, the Songs of Dzitbalché, and stories like "The Living Rope," "The Last Water of the Cenote," and "The Three Virgins."

She also emphasized the importance of incorporating the female figure as the narrative axis of the production, in a journey that spans from the creation of the world to the present day, with a message of hope.

“Those who tell these stories are great women of the Mayan territory, such as Xmukané, the beginning of creation; Ixtab; and Chaac Chel, the goddess of storms. Yuum Chaac is generally better known for his connection to the milpa (cornfield), but almost no one knows Chaac Chel, the lady of storms—as I like to call her—and that is what we wanted to represent,” she explained.

She also reflected on the link between art and science as tools for raising social awareness.

“Both are based on research. The memory and knowledge of the people are as valid as any scientific study and allow us to share the results with others. Both art and science seek to awaken realities and make problems visible through living, human work,” she pointed out.

The Mayan performing artists Socorro Loeza and Lucero Flores, the singer Dana Góngora, the percussionist Wendy Palomeque, and the guitarist Daniela Romero are collaborating on this collective project. Director Miranda Lakerveld; Mayan researcher Freddy P**t; and dramaturg and producer Alex Benavides form an interdisciplinary team that articulates artistic creation, academia, and community knowledge.

The tour of Sujuy Ja’, a work produced by World Opera Lab, will continue in Hopelchén and Seybaplaya, Campeche, and in Kanasín, on January 16, 17, and 18, respectively. It is presented in collaboration with the Autonomous Citizen Water Oversight Committee, Agua para Todos (Water for All), the Citizen Water Council of Yucatán, the Múuk’il Kaaj Collective, Chicas Ka’anche’, the Coordinating Committee of Mayan Women of Quintana Roo, Muuch-kambal, the Maya Collective of the Chenes, Pies de Mezcal, the Kanasín Assembly, Ja’ Kanules Telchaquillo, and the University of the Arts of Yucatán, with the support of Performing Arts Funds NL”