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 Estimated reading time: 1 min. |
  Karina Jozami |
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The windy southern night was felt in Ushuaia Bay but no sooner had we entered the Beagle Channel than both the weather and the time changed. The entire setting would take us back to the mid 1800s, when visionary sailors would venture into the southern lands. This proposal mostly captures Raúl Podetti's idea, who about one year ago would imagine a site to recreate the deeds of these early explorers in an original fashion. Especially, the story of the English Captain Fitz Roy and the by then young naturalist Charles Darwin.
Thus, emerges this center, a space specially designed to represent the Beagle Adventure. This multimedia show is the result of a multidisciplinary work done by scriptwriters, composers, musicians, set decorators, costume designers, architects, lighting technicians, translators, sound crew, movie directors, puppet makers, performance and singing directors, actors and assistants, under the direction of Leandro Panetta and led by Podetti. |
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For this unprecedented production in Patagonia, a replica to scale of the famous HMS Beagle brig was mounted in a fully-equipped multimedia room, where the set decoration is combined with puppets, giant marionettes, black theatre, contrasts of light and shade and special effects. The staging also includes the participation of local artists and artists from the City of Buenos Aires, with the outstanding performance of Roberto Catarineu in the role of old Darwin.
And there we were, willing to enjoy the show. |
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A Fantastic Show
We were waiting eagerly at the harbor pub to be given the order to “get on board” the Beagle, the reproduction of the ship that set sail in 1831 from the port of Plymouth. When we entered, we got ready on deck and, little by little, the sound of the sea and the wind took us back to the past. The story revolves around three protagonists: Captain Robert Fitz Roy, an intrepid 27-year-old sailor; explorer Charles Darwin, who was 23 years old; and the yámana Indian christened Jemmy Button. Facts state that Fitz Roy would have well-defined aims for the expedition. In addition to his cartographic research in Tierra del Fuego (then known as Terra Incognita), he had planned to return the yámana to his people with the purpose of transmitting the values of “civilization” and proving, through Darwin's scientific work, the accuracy of the Genesis (Sacred Scriptures). The young researcher found himself face to face with a dilemma when he began to develop his theory of evolution, which was far from Captain Fitz Roy's convictions. The latter, in turn, had to face the resolution made by the yámana Jemmy Button, who would also get away from his plans. |
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The show made by the artists accompanied by the music, the puppets and a sequence of special effects, made us become part of this historical deed. As the story was told, the songs and the characteristics of the staging would not stop surprising us and, as in every good show, its ending left us astonished.
As we left, at the Plymouth pub, we were invited with a grog, a typical sailors' drink made with rum. Some of the members of the audience stayed at the Centro Beagle theme reaturant, Alde Yámana, to have dinner and discuss the show we had just seen. I think that if one abandons oneself to enjoying this experience, the fantasy is complete. |
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he Centro Beagle opens from 12pm to 12am. Performances timetables are to be asked by phone by calling the Centro or authorized travel agencies. |
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After watching the show, you had better stay for dinner at the Centro's theme restaurant and taste some of the dishes of its detailed gastronomy.
The center also offers shuttle service free of charge. |
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Centro Beagle
Luis Pedro Fique 121 (ex Aeropuerto) (9410) Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Argentina
Tel: +54 2901 43-2090
 
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Voyage across the sea
Led by passion
Amidst the waves and the tempest
our hearts roar.
Opening the waters,
blowing like a cyclone,
untying the ropes,
going beyond the sun.
With our eyes set on the high seas,
with our mind in the sun,
and in our souls we feel the vibration
of the strength of an illusion.
(lyrics “The Beagle Adventure”, performed by the Crew) |
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