A. M. 
For 15 years, Fundación Poma and its cultural program, Teatro Luis Poma, have developed the Ovación contest with the objective of facilitating artists’ access to financial resources for the execution of their projects and contributing to their professionalization.
During the ceremony, the vice-president of Fundación Poma, Alejandro Poma, highlighted the relevance of Teatro Luis Poma for art and culture in the country. “We are proud that our theater is more than a performance hall and has become a space for continuous training and growth”, he said.
Over the course of two decades, a hundred theater groups and casts -both salvadoran and international- have performed at El Poma; more than 200 shows have been presented and the audience during the same period has exceeded 379,000 spectators. Additionally, its lobby has received dozens of plastic artists who have shown their talent through more than a hundred exhibitions.
Poma’s Artistic Director, Roberto Salomón, celebrated the growth of the theatrical environment in the San Salvador metropolitan area. “New scenic spaces have emerged, and with them a generation of young promises that ensure the continuity and innovation of the dramatic art. Even foreign critics have highlighted the excellence of our actors and actresses, who, with their dedication, have contributed to form an increasingly demanding audience. This progress is not by chance; it is the result of a constant struggle, of consistent seasons and of a deep conviction in the transforming power of theater”, he said.
“The award we will present tonight not only celebrates the ingenuity and impact of an artistic project, it also recognizes the talent, dedication and commitment of the applicant”, Poma said moments before announcing the Ovation jury’s decision.
This year, with the project “Alquimia”, actresses Mariam Santamaria and Sara Sol won the XV Ovación Award. Both are founders of the group “Teatro al viento”, and this is the second time they have been crowned with their proposal. The first time was seven years ago with the project “Yo, Lucia”.
The jury valued that the “Alquimia” project presented a proposal focused on creation, laboratory and the constant search for a unique artistic language. This approach not only boosts the group’s internal growth, but also brings an essential renewal to the salvadoran theater scene.
In their project, Santamaría and Sol -who have focused their trajectory on visual and gestural theater- detail that they will begin with a laboratory to explore and merge techniques, followed by a workshop-residence for other artists, in order to share learning. They will continue with the creation of a theatrical work born from the laboratory and workshop, advised by other artists.
Recognition of Roberto Salomón’s trajectory
During the award ceremony, Fundación Poma recognized the two-decade trajectory of its director at the head of the Luis Poma Theater, as well as his deep and determined commitment to promote the performing arts as a source of human and social development.
“In an exemplary manner, Roby has shown us the relevance of persevering in one’s vocation, not only as a path to personal fulfillment, but as a vehicle to serve society and contribute to the construction of a better country”, said Poma.
The Foundation presented the director with a watercolor piece created by cartoonist Ricardo Clement as a symbol of his talent, passion and persistence to keep the flame of theater burning.
