This Sunday, 11 May, the Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane in Asunción will host a significant cultural event: the revival of Jha Che Retã, a Paraguayan zarzuela composed by Remberto Giménez. This performance celebrates a pivotal piece of Paraguay’s artistic heritage and serves a charitable cause, supporting the Indigenous Mbya Guaraní community.
Jha Che Retã: A Patriotic and Folkloric Masterpiece
First performed in 1941, Jha Che Retã is considered the prelude to the Paraguayan zarzuela genre. If you have never heard of a zarzuela, consider it a musical that blends opera and popular song with spoken word: part drama, part celebration. Born in Spain and embraced across Latin America, zarzuela tells everyday stories through music. In Paraguay, it evolved into something uniquely local, shaped by the country’s bilingual roots and rich folk traditions. The work offers evocative scenes of the homeland in both Spanish and Guaraní, highlighting significant aspects and stories of national heroes. Notably, the piece approaches politics from a neutral standpoint, avoiding partisan or doctrinal positions. It draws inspiration from native heritage, showcasing various art forms, including music, singing, popular dances, and theatre.
A Family Legacy Continues
The upcoming performance is directed by Lidia Victoria Giménez Amarilla, the granddaughter of Remberto Giménez. Her dedication ensures that her grandfather’s legacy continues to inspire new generations. The production features a talented cast, including Christian Olmedo, Viviana Talavera, Anna Viedma, María José Kalixien, Christian Fernández, and Sair Gamarra. The musical direction and production are led by maestro Juan Carlos Dos Santos.
The title Jha Che Retã, in Guaraní, loosely translates as “Oh, My Land” or “Ah, My Country.” The phrase is simple, yet profoundly expressive. Jha adds an exclamatory tone, something like a sigh or a cry from the heart, while che retã means “my land” or “my nation.”
As with many expressions in Guaraní, its meaning goes beyond words. It evokes a deep emotional connection to place, to one’s roots, memories, and cultural identity. It is not just patriotism, but a kind of spiritual belonging. The title alone speaks volumes before a single note is sung.
Supporting Indigenous Communities
In addition to honouring Paraguay’s cultural heritage, the event also carries a strong spirit of solidarity. Audience members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, which will be collected for the Cerro Poty community kitchen, an initiative supporting vulnerable families in the region. The donations will directly benefit the Mbya Guaraní, one of the country’s largest and most culturally rich Indigenous communities.
The Mbya have inhabited the forests and riverlands of eastern Paraguay for centuries, maintaining a deeply spiritual worldview and a way of life closely tied to nature. While related to Paraguayan Guaraní, their language is distinct and central to their identity, passed down through oral tradition. Unlike many other Indigenous groups, the Mbya continue to live in semi-nomadic or rural settlements, preserving rituals, music, and beliefs that offer a rare window into pre-colonial Paraguay.
Jha Che Retã Event Details
- Date: Sunday, 11 May 2025
- Time: 20:00
- Venue: Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane, Asunción
- Tickets: Gs. 50,000
To reserve tickets, contact Jha Che Retã on WhatsApp.
Reservations: 0985-855-862
This performance of Jha Che Retã offers a unique opportunity to experience a cornerstone of Paraguayan cultural identity while contributing to a meaningful cause.
