In a few days, Venezuela’s first ever independently produced soap opera will air on the new public television station, TVes (Televisora Venezolana Social).
Now, you may be asking yourself, “Didn’t Venezuela invent soap operas?” Not quite, but the country has a long and enthusiastic tradition around telenovelas, as the popular — and famously melodramatic — genre is called. And despite having created around 100 beloved programs of this nature, Venezuela has never before seen an independent telenovela.
“Caramelo e’ Chocolate” (actors pictured at right) is the first local, non-corporate effort of its kind. It is designed to give Venezuelan TV viewers an opportunity to reflect on their own history, traditions, and diversity.
The public channel TVes, which will broadcast “Caramelo e’ Chocolate” each Monday, was founded less than a year ago in Caracas. It is a result of attempts in recent years to “democratize the airwaves” in Venezuela by promoting more domestic and independently produced content. We say, bring on the drama!
