What do you know about the history of Mazatlán? If you live here, you ought to know a little something about when and how this city came into existence. And even if you’re merely visiting, you might find it worthwhile to check out the exhibition that just opened at the end of August in the Angela Peralta gallery, upstairs at the theater. “The History of Mazatlán” is an exhibition, said to be permanent, put together by none other than Enrique Vega Ayala, the official cronista (historian) of Mazatlán. Professor Vega teaches history at the University of Sinaloa and often can be found researching dusty ancient records at the Municipal Archives. The exposition comes in concert with the introduction of a book of the same title by Vega. And while that publication is in Spanish, the signage at the exposition itself has English subtitles. The exhibit will remain on view for the month of September. The arts calendar for this month had only a couple of Spanish language plays on the agenda when we inquired. While no other events for the plastic or performing arts could be confirmed at the Pacific Pearl’s

press time, the show-going public should remember that last-minute happenings always get posted to the website, in both English and Spanish. Just bookmark www.culturamazatlan.com.mx and click the flag in the upper right hand corner to get the English version. In other news, Mazatlán’s Municipal Institute of Culture, Tourism and Art has formed an alliance with the University of Texas that promises to bring rewards for both entities. The performance here in early August of an experimental version of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” did, despite its flaws, cement the relationship. For their part the Texans are sending much-needed technical advice for the sound and lighting staff at the Angela Peralta Theater. They’re also sending artistic know-how to local dancers by way of a workshop by David Justine of the university’s dance arts ensemble. For the municipal insti-tute’s part, it is sending the Camerata Mazatlán to Austin for a repeat performance of “Flute.”  It is to be hoped that the lip-synch problems encountered when the opera played here will have been corrected for future performances.