Wheelchair Accessible Performance Merida

Music, folk dance, and vibrant video mapping combine for the theatrical show, Dialogos del Conquistador at Casa Montejo at the Gran Plaza. Using mixed media elements to tell the story of the temporary colonization of the Mayan culture, this performance will leave you moved by the Mayan determination and resistance. Presented free of charge by the city of Merida weekly.

The entire facade of Casa Montejo is covered with colorful projections while actors, Trova performers, and the city’s folkloric ballet act out the dialogue in front of you. The street is closed off and folding chairs for seating are arranged in a U shape in front of the building. Performers will go in and out of the large front doors, so position yourself to include that view as well as the entire building front. It is easy to attend even if you are using a wheelchair, as the street is relatively flat and the sidewalks have curb cuts at the intersections.

A Latino man dressed in Mayan attire is cast in a projected golden light as he looks at the Cathedral that towers over him.

A landscape view shows a Latino man dressed in authentic 16th century Mayan attire. He walks in front of the crowd, eyeing a projected pattern that moves about on the Cathedral walls.

Two Latino men stare at each other, speaking. One man is dressed as a conquistador and stands on the Cathedral balcony, looking down at the other man, who is dressed as a Mayan official.

A man dressed as a 16th century conquistador stands on the Cathedral balcony, his hands gripping the back bar in front of him. He stares down at the crowd sternly.

The projected on the pink Cathedral building are white and large. They are in English to accommodate those who do not speak Spanish. Francisco de Montejo is the first speaker, saying: "I swear to God! Who is knocking on the door that way?" The next speaker, entitled "Indian", says: "Francisco de Montejo, I have come to speak with you."

A portrait view of a Latino man is seen. He is dressed in authentic, 16th century Mayan garb as he stands, his arm out, speaking to the crowd. His face is stern and serious as he focuses on his message.

A zoomed in view of the Cathedral's balcony shows a Latino man dressed in 16th century attire; a ruffle shirt, vest, overcoat. and tall black, leather boots. He stands on the balcony giving a speech to the crowd below. Above him, the intricate details of the Cathedral exterior can be seen. Patterns and a crest adorn the walls, as well as a stone statue of a man in conquistador armor, holding a spear.

I particularly liked the live-action combined with the recorded video projections for Dialogos del Conquistador. As an added bonus, there is an English translation of the presentation projected alongside the live-action portion, allowing non-Spanish speakers the ability to keep up with the story. It is another wonderful example of a free cultural performance provided by the city of Merida. See if you find yourself rooting for the Mayan heroine, too.

A Latina female dancer wears a traditional Mayan embroidered dress as she spreads her arms wide, dancing along to the music.

Two Latino dancers, a man and a woman dressed in authentic Mayan attire, dance closely together on the stage. The man wears a white shirt with a red scarf tied around his neck. The woman wears jewelry on her neck and an array of flowers in her hair.

Four Latina female dancers stand beside each other while a Latino male dancer begins a dance move behind them. They all wear traditional Mexican clothing.

A line of eight Latino dancers, four male dancers and four female dancers all dance synchronously on the open-air stage. The men wear tan hats while the women wear white dresses with floral prints on them.

A group of Latino men and women dance together. Most face and look at each other, yet one female dancer looks at the crowd. The flowers in the women's hair are large and colorful.

Pairs of Latino men and women dance jovially together on the stage. They hold hands and swing around in unison.

A few Latino dancers raise their left arms as they begin to take a step forward. One man wears a stern smile on his face, unlike the glowing smiles of many of the female dancers.

Two Latino dancers, a man and a woman, dance together. The man looks at the woman with a soft smile while the woman looks off onto her right with an equally small smile. The woman has a black sash laced around her arms while the man dons a sack tied around his waist.

Four pairs of Latino dancers take a step along with the rhythm of the traditional music. Each pair consists of a man and a woman.

Four pairs of Latino men and women dance closely together. The men now wear their hats while the black sash wrap around the women's arms.

A portrait photo shows a Latino man and woman standing together. The man, wearing a hat and a red scarf, stands slightly behind the woman, who wears a floral dress and flowers in her hair. The woman wears a cheerful smile on her face while the man seems to be lost in pensive thought.

A landscape photo shows the stage which the Latino men and women dance upon. A dark blue light is cast upon the dancers and the stage. The men and women interlock their arms as they walk toward the hidden crowd. Behind them is part of the huge Cathedral in the town square. The building is adorned with a projection showing intricate patterns.

Two pairs of male and female Latino dancers slowly walk out, their arms interlocking. The men wear hats while the women hold flowers in their hair. The stage is set in a dark blue light. The inside of the Cathedral in which they exit can be seen only slightly; the elongated windows are visible while the Cathedral doors are open.

A view of the Cathedral is seen. Cast in ghoulish blue light, the building's two conquistador statues near the top make for an ominous sight. An empty, dark balcony juts out above the tall doorway. In the doorway, people can be seen beginning to walk out.

You’ll find this at Calle 63 x 60 and 62, in the heart of the Gran Plaza, Centro District.

The dialogue of the conquistador

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