>THE NATION>Places Magazine
- August 5, 2024
- 03:00
- 3 minutes of reading‘
Escuchar
The history of these cultural dinosaurs is often as well-known as it is predictable, but it never ceases to surprise and to arouse mixed feelings about the inexorability of time passing by.
Two neighbors led the reopening and then the entire community participated in the project. Star Herrera
The inauguration of the Colón cinema club (1933) dates back almost a century and, for decades, it was the heart of social life in Roque Pérez, the capital of the district located 135 km from the capital. At that time, the cinema was also a theatre, with seats lined up in front of the proscenium (the space in which the action took place, between the stage and the orchestra), and behind it, in the background, the screen.
But its social function was even broader; in addition to films and plays, kermesses, dances, literary evenings took place here and, as the space and availability allowed, school events were also on the film club’s agenda. The Colón was, without a doubt, an ecumenical venue: no wedding, baptism or birthday was left out of this active meeting point.
Over the years, it closed and reopened a couple of times, until it was finally abandoned.
The ticket office is open on weekends and holidays.Star Herrera
In 2013, two neighbours – Nelly Albanesi and José María “Pepe” Guidobono – promoted its reopening. Pepe, who always said that the Colón “opened our eyes to the world, along with the school” told anecdotes and convinced the parishioners that the cinema was essential “for everyone, but especially for young people”. Nelly went here and there writing petitions and collecting signatures. A pioneer in the restoration, she went to the Municipality of Roque Pérez, which began the works.
Excited by the project, the neighbours were scrambling to help out: volunteer firefighters shovelled over a metre of mud to uncover the tiled floor, and a small battalion of carpenters, house painters, blacksmiths, seamstresses, embroiderers and shoe shiners was assembled. The expectation was enormous; the excitement even greater.
Thus, the Colón finally reopened its doors, there was a great celebration and Pepe Guidobono wrote an ode to celebrate the event. Pepe passed away in June 2015. But the Colón returned to being what everyone wanted: a meeting place and a cultural focus of Roqueperan life. Since 2019, its stage has been named after the poet who loved it so much.
The restored seats of the film club.Star Herrera
Colon Film Club. Small Peace – Barracks II. T: (2227) 61-7949. Open Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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