Miami New Drama is set to present ¡Viva la Parranda! from July 10 to 27, 2025, at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach. Directed by Juan Carlos Souki, this immersive production brings the essence of El Clavo, a small coastal town in Venezuela, to life on stage. As audience members arrive, they will be greeted by the delightful aroma of sancocho stew wafting through the air, with a large steaming pot becoming the centerpiece of the theatrical experience.
The upcoming performance marks the highly anticipated return of ¡Viva la Parranda!, an innovative reimagining of traditional theater that has made waves in Miami’s vibrant arts community. Miami New Drama, helmed by Artistic Director Michel Hausmann, has become a hub for cultural celebration. Instead of following a conventional script, the show relies on the authentic stories and words of the performers, La Parranda El Clavo, emphasizing genuine human connection.
At the heart of ¡Viva la Parranda! is Betsayda Machado, known as “The Voice of Barlovento.” A recognized singer since childhood, Machado leads an ensemble known for its dedication to preserving nearly extinct Black musical genres from Venezuela. With her powerful voice, she guides a cast that includes seven members of La Parranda El Clavo, all of whom utilize traditional instruments rich with history.
The distinctive instruments featured in the performance include the cumaco, mina, culo’e puya, and quitiplás, which serve as both musical accompaniment and cultural storytelling devices. The performance is not limited to a theatrical presentation but expands into a community ritual wherein the milestones of life—love, loss, migration, and cultural heritage—are shared through song and dance.
Director Souki eloquently pointed out the increased importance of authenticity in this performance; he asserts, “It would have been an insult to write a script for them. We built a script together using only their own words.” This deeply collaborative process has enabled the cast to share their own personal narratives, weaving an emotional tapestry that resonates with the audience.
Each performance creates a complete sensory experience, where laughter intermingles with tears as cast members recount stories of heartache mixed with joyful celebration. This juxtaposition encapsulates the essence of the production—a communal experience that critics have lauded as a ritualistic engagement where all participants are encouraged to reflect, relate, and revel in the shared human experience.
Artistic Director Michel Hausmann elaborated on the vision behind the production, highlighting the importance of adapting theater to fit the performers rather than conforming performers to traditional theatrical structures. This approach represents a transformative shift in how theater can intersect with community culture. Instead of following a linear narrative, ¡Viva la Parranda! presents vignettes—musical numbers acting as windows into collective memories—each infused with themes of harvest, nostalgia, and the universal struggles of migration and displacement.
Set against the bustling backdrop of Miami, a city characterized by its rich immigrant stories, the production finds an ideal home where diversity and cultural richness thrive. For Venezuelans in the diaspora, ¡Viva la Parranda! offers a vital space for reconnecting with their roots, while also serving to unite Latinos from all backgrounds in celebration of their shared heritage.
As expressed in one of the performance’s most poignant lines, “The drum is not played, it is felt.” This statement captures the heart of the production, which aims to resonate deeply within the audience, inviting them to not only witness but actively participate in the narrative being presented.
The celebration of music and community emerges as a dominant theme, driving home the transformative power of cultural expression. Audience members can expect to witness a theatrical experience that transcends traditional boundaries and encourages introspection, unity, and joy.
Under the umbrella of Miami New Drama, this initiative showcases the resilience of a culture that thrives despite challenges, turning what might often be manifested in sorrow into moments of vibrant celebration. The performance stands as an unyielding tribute to the strength of the Venezuelan community, promoting healing through shared experiences and collective artistry.
¡Viva la Parranda! is more than a theatrical production; it is an event that nourishes the soul and celebrates the art of connection in ways rarely experienced in traditional theater. It invites audiences to partake in a collective feast of emotional richness, poignantly similar to savoring a bowl of homemade sancocho—nourishing, satisfying, and deeply grateful for the experience shared together.
Mark your calendars for this unique theatrical endeavor set to take place from July 10 to 27, 2025, at the Colony Theatre, located at 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Tickets and additional information are available at miaminewdrama.org or by calling 305.674.1040.
For anyone looking to engage with Miami’s diverse cultural landscape, ¡Viva la Parranda! promises an unforgettable encounter that will resonate long after the final curtain call.
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