Photo by Jorge Martinez taken in Lagunillas 2011

During mid April, together with the students from Alternative Tourism and another teacher, Elena Carbajal, we explored  Lagunillas by looking, listening, touching, smelling and even tasting. Students indiviually met locals and talked to them about their experiences of living in this community, listened to their  stories which included legends based in the area and what they do/did for a living. We sampled some of the local produce, like cakes baked in hand made adobe ovens and visited where the cows are milked. The milk was then sold in the local market.  Living is basic here and the population barely reaches 400. As quickly becomes evident, like in so many small and poor communities in Mexico, their economy and their population is dwindling because many families are illegally emigrating to America in search of money and a ‘better life’. This issue was very poignant for Lagunillas and something the students picked up on amongst others during the few days we spent devising the theatre event. I realised the importance of building trust with the community in order get to the heart of their life stories. Unfortunately we had very little time with them but i could see the exciting possibilities given more time with them.