Spore Initiative brought a richer experience to If Trees Could Talk through their eight-episode audio theater project, Abuelas y Abuelos Árboles (Grandma and Grandpa Trees).
Abuelas y abuelos árboles (Grandmothers and Grandfathers Trees) is a radio play in eight episodes that tells the story of Felícitas, a 13-year-old schoolgirl who lives in Mozón, a village where corn no longer grows and there is a great famine. It is said that the ancient inhabitants of other areas survived hardships like these thanks to the trees. The search for a solution has led Felícitas to the peculiar village of Yuum Báalam Kaaj, rumored to be the birthplace of trees and their home until today. With a backpack on her shoulders and a voice recorder in her hand, Felícitas sets off in search of the knowledge, fruits and seeds that could help her save her village.
Episode 1: K'úumche': Trees Against Hunger
Felícitas begins to discover Yuum Báalam Kaaj. The village in the middle of the forest seems to be full of adventure and unconventional inhabitants. When she meets a mysterious, wise grandmother, Felícitas begins to understand why fate has led her here.
Episode 2: Oop: The Forrest of Memories
Who lives in the forests and fields? Who cares for them? Through the memories of Casimira and Marcelo, Felicitas learns about the protectors of lands - and how to find them in the sounds that surround us.
Episode 3: Báalche’: The Whirling Flower
A strange scent leads the residents of Yuum Báalam Kaaj to an eerie discovery. In order to help, Felícitas must take decisions and do her best to bring the people around her together.
Episode 4: Pich: The House of Wasps
Can generosity fight hunger? Or can wasps? Felícitas follows Doña Eustaquia's wasps and learns an important lesson about life in nature – and those who own it.
Episode 5: Óox: Three Gifts
In search of a place where they can settle down and start a new life, two peasants embark on a dangerous journey. Felícitas gets to know their story and learns how important it is to make allies and to listen to nature’s voices.
Episode 6: Ya’: The Tree that Melts in Your Mouth
Who are the rubber men? Why are they afraid to wander into the mountains? Felícitas must gain the trust of two strange figures to find answers.
Episodio 7: Chéechem yéetel Chakaj: Two Unequal brothers
On the edge of Yuum Báalam Kaaj, Felícitas loses her strength and falls ill. Help and relief come from an unexpected source.
Episode 8: Ya’axche’: A Spiky Grandmother
Felícitas is already preparing for her return to Mozón when Atilano, a former inhabitant of Yuum Báalam Kaaj, appears. Night after night, he materializes always with the same purpose - to tell travelers his story about Ya'axche' and to warn them...
The Collaborators
The radio play is a collaborative project with:
Julian Dzul, Abrahán Colli, agroecological school U Yits Ka'an, Salomé Ricalde, Janil Uc, Alejandro J. Castilla Pinto, U Yotoch Yúuyum, Pacífico Studios
Spore Initiative is a German organization supporting the arts and culture. It was founded and funded by Hans Schöpflin. He also established the Panta Rhea Foundation, which supports organizations building a just and sustainable world, including CANVAS.