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REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL PRESENTS THE NEW YORK PREMIERE OF “RADOJKA, SI TE MUERES TE MATO” (RADOJKA, I’LL KILL YOU IF YOU DIE).

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The production will open on Tuesday, June 6th. It will take place at the 55th-anniversary celebration to support Repertorio’s Education Program, ¡DIGNIDAD!, making theatre accessible to students that have limited access to the rich theatrical heritage of Latin America, Spain, and the Latinx community and providing instruction by professional theatre artists in local schools with high Latino enrollment.

The theater will be honoring Sava B. Thomas with the Board of Directors Award for over 30 years serving on the board.

Repertorio Español, one of NYC’s most celebrated Latinx theatre companies, presents the New York premiere of “RADOJKA, SI TE MUERES TE MATO” (RADOJKA, I’LL KILL YOU IF YOU DIE), written by the Uruguayan playwriters Fernando Schmidt & Christian Ibarzabal.

“After several successes since we reopened in October 2021, I am proud that Repertorio is prioritizing contemporary Latinx playwrights, sharing great works like Radojka. When I first read this superb comedy, I knew it would become a favorite of Repertorio’s audience. We can’t wait to share this work while we honor one of the first women to join our Board and most loyal supporter, Sava B. Thomas.” – Rafael Sánchez, Executive Artistic Director

Leyma López will direct the comedy and stars Zulema Clares from Cuba, Maria Fontanals from Spain, and Wanda Arriaga & Gilberto Gabriel Díaz Flores from Puerto Rico. The production will start previews on Friday, June 2nd, and premiere on Tuesday, June 6th. It will take place at the 55th-anniversary celebration to support Repertorio’s Education Program, ¡DIGNIDAD! on the iconic Gramercy Arts Theatre stage with a reception at Sarabeth’s at Park Avenue South after the performance. 

Performed in Spanish with English subtitles.

ABOUT THE PLAY
Two women tasked with being caregivers unite to survive and keep their employment while attending to an elderly woman. Their unexpected choice leads to uproarious circumstances. How far would you go to safeguard your livelihood?

PREVIEWS:
Friday, June 02, 2023, 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 03, 2023, 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 04, 2023, 3:00 PM

OPENING NIGHT:
Tuesday, June 06, 2023, 7:00 PM

PERFORMANCES:
Friday, June 09, 2023, 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 11, 2023, 3:00 PM
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 7:00 PM
Friday, June 16, 2023, 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 18, 2023, 3:00 PM

More performances are available through 2023.

PLAYWRIGHTS

Fernando Schmidt is a playwright and screenwriter. He is the author of more than twenty plays and many others collaborations. He has been awarded by the General Association of Authors of Uruguay with the Musa Award, and by the Instituto Internacional de Teatro (UNESCO), in recognition of the best work by a national author. His work ¿Quién fue el gracioso? won the Municipal Dramaturgy Award. Together with Christian Ibarzábal, he is the author of the comedy Radojka, which premiered in twelve countries and was awarded with multiple awards. 

Christian Ibarzábal premiered ten plays of his authorship and close to twenty collaborations, in the main theaters of Uruguay. He received nominations and awards from theater critics, for Revelation, Best Musical, and Best Show for Children, at the Florencio Uruguayan Theater Awards. In co-authorship with Fernando Schmidt, he has written Radojka, winner of the Estrella de mar award in 2022 and the Carlos 2023 award, for the best theatrical text and the best comedy of the season in Argentina. 

LEYMA LÓPEZ – DIRECTOR
Born in San José de las Lajas in La Habana, Cuba. From 2001 to 2005 she studied direction and acting in the School of the Arts in San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba. In 2009, she received her Acting and The Arts degree from The Superior Institute of La Habana. López was the founder and director of Rompecalles in 2007; a theatrical project focused on investigating classic text. As part of it, she created the adaptation of Fedra and Asamblea de mujeres (The Assembly of Women), two classics of Greek mythology, which won the awards of Festival Olga Alonso and the Municipal of San José de las Lajas award for Best Play.

López is presently Resident Director of Repertorio Español. She received the Van Lier Award for Young Directors in 2012. At Repertorio Español, she has directed: Por Gusto (For Pleasure), El Loco por fuerza (Insane by Force), Hierba mala nunca muere (Weeds Won’t Die), Aire frío (Cool Air), La fiaca, Valor, agravio y mujer (Courage, Betrayal, and a Woman Scorned), La Celestina, La Paz Perpetua, Filomena Marturano: Un matrimonio a la caribeña, La dama boba and a series of readings highlighting the works of 17th Century women playwrights. She has received various nominations and awards from ATI, ACE, and HOLA. 

GENERAL INFORMATION
By phone: 1-212.225.9999 | Online: repertorio.nyc

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REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THREE SPANISH GOLDEN AGE PRODUCTIONS BY FEMALE PLAYWRIGHTS FOR THE SUMMER OF 2023, PART OF THE VAN LIER YOUNG LATINX/E DIRECTOR’S FELLOWSHIP, SPONSORED BY THE NEW YORK COMMUNITY TRUST

Spanish Golden Age Van Lier

Three young directors to stage three Spanish Golden Age (17th Century) plays – LA TRAICIÓN EN LA AMISTAD, LOS EMPEÑOS DE UNA CASA, and PRIMERO SUEÑO.

Repertorio Español is proud to announce the Van Lier Spanish Golden Age productions, which will take place from June 30th to August 6th. The three Van Lier Directing Fellows – Ana Luz Zambrana, Kathleen Capdesuñer, and James Bruenger-Arreguin will each direct a Golden Age (17th century Spanish) play as part of the requisite of the 2-year Fellowship in which they must direct one contemporary play year one, and a Golden Age play in the second and final year. This season, the fellows will present “La traición en la amistad” by María de Zayas y Sotomayor, “Los empeños de una casa” and “Primero sueño” by Sor Juana Inés De La Cruz.

Spanning the 17th century, the Spanish Golden Age marked an explosion of Baroque theatre and playwriting in Spain and Mexico with Sor Juana. Today is a vibrant reminder of the centuries-old roots of Spanish language theatre. Through the Van Lier fellows’ initiative, Ms. Zambrana, Ms. Capdesuñer, and Mr. Bruenger-Arreguin have combined their allocated resources to produce and market these productions to raise the consciousness of the significant impact that this all-too-often neglected yet integral period of literary and intellectual development.

All plays are presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

La traicion

June 30th – July 9th
LA TRAICIÓN EN LA AMISTAD
By María de Zayas y Sotomayor
Directed by Ana Luz Zambrana

María de Zayas y Sotomayor’s La traición en la amistad is the rare Golden Age play that turns traditional gender roles on their head. Centering on the complexities of female friendship, the story kicks off with a tale as old as time: Two friends who love the same man. This triangle quickly evolves into a tangled web of betrayals and deceit, which let us see how women can seduce and betray just as mercilessly as the typical “galán.”

Friday, June 30th, 8 pm
Saturday, July 1st, 8 pm
Sunday, July 3rd, 3 pm
Saturday July 8th, 8 pm
Sunday, July 9th, 3 pm


Los empeños
July 14th – July 23rd
LOS EMPEÑOS DE UNA CASA
By Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
Directed by Kathleen Capdesuñer

Los empeños de una casa follows a group of singles as they navigate a maze of desire, temptation, and betrayal in their quest for love. Los empeños de una casa takes a modern spin on the classic 17th-century romantic farce, exploring the misadventures of love through a reality TV dating show.

Friday, July 14th, 8 pm
Saturday, July 15th, 8 pm
Sunday, July 16th, 3 pm
Saturday, July 22nd, 8 pm
Sunday, July 23rd, 3 pm


Primero sueno
July 28th – August 6th
PRIMERO SUEÑO
By Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
Directed by James Bruenger-Arreguin

Sor Juana Ines De La Cruz’s Primero Sueño is a profound and intricate poem that is regarded as one of her most important works and a masterpiece of the Golden Age of Spanish literature. The poem delves into the depths of the human psyche and the enigmas of the cosmos through a sequence of dreamlike visions and philosophical contemplations. Primero Sueño explores themes such as knowledge, love, and the divine while reflecting on the universe’s mechanics and the human soul’s intricacies. Van Lier fellow, James Bruenger-Arreguin has adapted the poem for the stage, creating a theatrical dream that takes the audience on a journey through the universe to explore its mysteries and complexities through puppetry, dance, and language.

Friday, July 28th, 8 pm
Saturday, July 29th, 8 pm
Sunday, July 30th, 3 pm
Saturday, August 5th, 8 pm
Sunday, August 6th, 3 pm


MEET THE 2022-2023 FELLOWS

Ana Luz Zanabria

ANA LUZ ZAMBRANA
(Ella/She/Her) is a Puerto Rican actor, director, and critic. She received her BFA at UCF with a minor in Humanities, training as well at: Atlantic Co, BADA at Oxford University, and SBIFF. She is a SDC Directing Fellow, a Kennedy Center Directing Initiative alum, and a participant of Jose Solís’s BIPOC Critic Lab. She is currently a member of the “Did They Like It?” Cohort and a Latiné Musical Theatre Lab Associate. Growing up as a Boricua in South Dakota —with her media diet ranging from Rebelde to The Lizzie McGuire Movie— sparked her need to create stories that explore the diasporic experience of POC in our world.


 

Kathleen Capdesuñer
KATHLEEN CAPDESUÑER
Kathleen Capdesuñer (Ella/She/Her) is a Florida grown, immigrant raised, Cuban-American director, producer and generative artist working in theatre and film. Kathleen is a fiercely generous collaborator who leads democratized modes of creation to decolonize the current artistic canon. Kathleen is an alum of: The Roundabout Directing Fellowship, The Civilians R&D Group, MTC John Alper Directing Fellowship, The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals and McCarter Theatre Center Directing Apprenticeship. She’s also developed and directed work with: Roundabout, Atlantic Theatre Company, Yale, EST, Noor Theatre, Columbia, Teatro LATEA, Moxie Arts New York, McCarter Theatre, NYU, and internationally in the Fringe Festival circuit. www.kcapdesuner.com


 

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JAMES BRUENGER-ARREGUIN
James Bruenger-Arreguin: (Él/He/His) Born in Los Cabos, Mexico, raised in Denver, CO, James is an NYC-based Latino director and producer currently working at the Creative Development office at Disney Theatrical Group. He has worked and collaborated with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Theatre Aspen, The 24 Hour Plays, Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre (Associate Artistic Director). Recent Credits: Colorado Spring Fine Arts Center: Guadalupe in the Guest Room and To Slay The Dragon. SCRT: The Last Five Years (Director), Evita (Director/Choreographer) Fly By Night (Choreographer), University of the Arts: Pop The Musical Exhibition (Director), and Momentos (Director). BFA in Directing, Playwriting + Production from the University of the Arts. www.directordeteatro.com


ABOUT THE NEW YORK COMMUNITY TRUST
The New York Community Trust is dedicated to meeting the changing needs of children, youth, and families; aid in community development; improve the environment; promote health; assist people with special needs; and support education, arts, and human justice.
PRESS & CRITICS’ RSVP

GENERAL INFORMATION
By phone: 1-212.225.9999 | Online: repertorio.nyc

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PHOTOS: FIRST LOOK AT LA GOLONDRINA (THE SWALLOW) AT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL

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Guillem Clua’s LA GOLONDRINA (The Swallow) started previews on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Repertorio Español (Gramercy Arts Theater). The production’s official opening night is on Friday, January 27, at 8 pm and runs throughout the year.

Take a look at our photos below.

Inspired by the attack in a gay nightclub in Orlando where 49 people were killed, The Swallow is a highly emotional work exploring how loss can simultaneously separate and unite people. The play reflects on the loss of the many lives that continue to be stolen by attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in this country, and how we need to heal together despite our differences.

ABOUT THE PLAY: Ramón seeks the help of a strict singing teacher, Amelia, to work on his vocal technique before singing at the memorial service for his beloved mother. During an explosive evening of confessions, it becomes clear that they are not only united by music, but by their individual struggle to deal with the aftermath of a terrorist attack.

LA GOLONDRINA is directed by Ismanuel Rodríguez and starring Zulema Clares and Rafa Sánchez. The creative team includes Ismanuel Rodríguez (Lighting Design), David Chacón Perez (Scenic Design), Milton Cordero (Video Design), Fernando Then (Costume Design), Cristian Gautier (Sound Design), Patricia Marjorie (Props Design), Fernando Then (Production Manager), Tim Gutteridge (English Translation), Francisco Rivera (Assistant Director), Carlos Gallego (Texturing and Scenic Painting), and Sara Buitrago (Subtitles).

For a complete show schedule and more information, contact the theater directly at 212-225-9999, visit the box office at 138 E 27th Street NY, NY 10016, or visit repertorio.nyc.

Photo Credit: Michael Palma Mir.

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ENTREGA DE LAS MEDALLAS DE ORO Y DE LAS DISTINCIONES DE ACADÉMICOS DE HONOR DE LA ACADEMIA DE LAS ARTES ESCÉNICAS DE ESPAÑA (AAEE)

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La Academia de las Artes Escénicas de España (AAEE) presenta los galardonados a las Medallas de Oro de la Academia del año 2022. Este año la Alianza de Teatros Latinos de Nueva York constituida por REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL (Spanish Theatre Repertory Co.), THALIA SPANISH THEATRE, PREGONES / PRTT (Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre), TEATRO CÍRCULO, TEATRO SEA (Sociedad Educativa de las Artes), TEATRO INTAR (International Art Theatre Relations), TEATRO IATI (Instituto Arte Teatral Internacional) y LATEA (Latin American Theater Experiment & Associates) serán distinguidos el lunes 21 de noviembre durante la cena de gala que se celebrará con dicho motivo en el hotel Wellington de Madrid. La cena estará presidida por Cayetana Guillén-Cuervo, presidenta de la Academia de las Artes Escénicas de España desde enero de 2022.

Cada año se distingue con la Medalla de Oro a las instituciones que con su trabajo y un recorrido memorable han desempeñado un papel esencial en la divulgación y práctica de las artes escénicas. Se valora el trabajo desarrollado para dignificar las artes escénicas.

Las distinciones de Académicos de Honor se conceden a profesionales del teatro de texto, teatro musical, música escénica, danza o circo que, a lo largo de su carrera, han destacado por su entrega y excelencia en sus respectivos trabajos, contribuyendo siempre a dignificar las artes escénicas dentro y fuera de nuestro país.

Estas distinciones se conceden cada año desde 2014.

SOBRE LA ACADEMIA DE LAS ARTES ESCÉNICAS DE ESPAÑA
La Academia de las Artes Escénicas de España es una entidad de carácter artístico y cultural destinada a potenciar, defender y dignificar las artes escénicas de nuestro país, a impulsar su promoción nacional e internacional, así como fomentar su progreso, desarrollo y perfeccionamiento.

INSTITUCIONES:

  • Teatro Real.
  • Festival Internacional de Teatro Clásico de Mérida (creado en 1933 con la representación de “Medea” por la actriz Margarita Xirgú. En el verano de 2022 ha celebrado su 68 edición. Desde 2012 está dirigido por el productor Jesús Cimarro).
  • Alianza de Teatros Latinos de Nueva York (constituida por nueve teatros de gestión y dirección artística de profesionales de países de habla hispana en Nueva York).
  • Mal Pelo (compañía de danza de Barcelona fundada en 1989 por Pep Ramis y María Muñoz).
  • Red Española de Teatros, Auditorios, Circuitos y Festivales de Titularidad Pública.
  • Xamfrà (Centro de Música y Escena del Raval, Barcelona, que usa la música, el teatro y la danza como herramientas de participación e inclusión social).

Así mismo se han concedido las distinciones de Académicos de Honor de la Academia de las Artes Escénicas de España de 2022 a las siguientes personalidades:

  • Julieta Serrano (actriz)
  • Aitana Sánchez-Gijón (actriz)
  • Eva Yerbabuena (bailarina y coreógrafa)
  • Ramón Barea (actor)
  • Tomás Marco (compositor. Actualmente preside la Real Academia de las Bellas Artes de San Fernando)
  • Ricardo Darín (actor)

ALLIANCE OF TEATROS LATINOS NY ALIANZA DE TEATROS LATINOS DE NUEVA YORK
(8 Organizaciones Hispanas con 9 salas de teatro: 7 en Manhattan, 1 en Bronx y 1 en Queens)

TEATRO REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL
Rafael Sánchez, Director Artístico/Ejecutivo

THALIA SPANISH THEATRE
Angel Gil Orrios, Director Artístico/Ejecutivo

PREGONES / PRTT (Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre)
Rosalba Rolón, Directora Artística
Jorge Merced, Director Artístico Asociado

TEATRO CÍRCULO
Jose Cheo Oliveras, Director Artístico

TEATRO SEA (Sociedad Educativa de las Artes)
Manuel Morán, Director Artístico

TEATRO INTAR (International Art Theatre Relations)
Louis Moreno, Director Artístico
Paul Slee Rodriguez, Director Ejecutivo

TEATRO IATI (Instituto Arte Teatral Internacional)
Winston Estévez, Director Artístico Ejecutivo
Vivian Deangelo, Directora Artística Asociada

LATEA (Latin American Theater Experiment & Associates)
Miguel Trelles, Director Artístico

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IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ

IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF ONE OF ITS MOST MEMORABLE ACTRESSES, OFELIA GONZÁLEZ

Repertorio Español is saddened to announce the passing of the actress Ofelia González at 103 years old on September 25th, in Cape Coral, Florida.  Ms. González, a resident ensemble member at Repertorio from 1973 until her retirement in 1998, is the only actress to have won an OBIE in 1992 without ever having performed in English.

Ofelia González, who won 6 Best Actress Awards in her native Cuba, rose to fame with her portrayals of Serafina Della Rosa in “The Rose Tattoo” and the Mother in “The Guns of Mother Carrar.”  In Cuban films, she appeared in “Memories of Underdevelopment” and “Tulipa.”  With her inability to live with the political situation, Ms. González left Cuba with her family in 1971, and made her New York debut in 1972 as the lead in “The House of Bernarda Alba” at INTAR.

In 1973, she joined the ensemble of Repertorio Español under the artistic direction of René Buch where she created some of her most notable roles.  Renowned for her portrayals of the Lorca matriarchs, she also excelled in long-running comedies, “Café con leche” and “Botánica.”  In 1974, she composed her most memorable role of Celestina receiving audience and critical raves throughout the United States and at the Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato, Mexico.

She created the Heartless Grandmother in Jorge Alí Triana’s premiere production of García Márquez’s “Innocent Eréndira,” and toured as the lead in “La Celestina” and Amanda in “The Glass Menagerie” during a USICA-sponsored tour of 12 Latin American capitals.

During her 25 years in the ensemble of Repertorio, she noted in a TCG 1993 article: “There is growth when you work with the same people.  You can try things and know there is a safety net.” She saw herself as a mentor for the Company’s younger members, teaching them not how to act, but to have appreciation for their craft.  “I feel that I have to teach them the responsibilities of the work, respect for the audience,” she said, “and that I must show them how that can be achieved.   In that sense, they can learn from my acting.”

Besides the OBIE and numerous ACE and other Latino awards, in 1994, she received a New York State Governor’s Arts Award.

Ofelia González is survived by her daughter, Jenny, and her granddaughters, Vivian and Betty.
The Funeral will be held at the San José Funeral Home, 250 East Fourth Avenue, Hialeah, Florida, on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, at 11 am.

Ms. González’s papers are at the University of Miami Cuban Heritage Collection.


From The New York Times

Thomas Task, May 31, 1979: More than even these was the playing of Ofelia González as the Nurse in ‘Romeo & Juliet,’ who made every gesture meaningful and enriched every scene in which she appeared.

Richard F. Shepard, November 23, 1979: Ofelia González is a powerful, perfect Bernarda Alba projecting authority and cruelty borne of pride, yet revealingly human within the limits of her society and personality.

Richard F. Shepard, March 3, 1980: Ofelia González is La Celestina and she plays it beautifully, a woman who wheedles, laughs, fawns, rages and conspires with such skill that one never tires of watching her gestures or hearing her voice. Should Miss González ever work in English, she would be a smash for the general public, but she is no less so in Spanish.

Richard F. Shepard, July 31, 1980: Ofelia González, in the role of the mother in ‘The Glass Menagerie,’ is a powerful performer, who dominates firmly but lovingly.

Richard F. Shepard, 9/23/1984: The crusty, outspoken grandmother…is played by the company’s wonderful Ofelia González, an actress who always commands the stage in whatever she is appearing, classical or contemporary.  Miss González evinces a regal presence and runs through a range of strong emotions in one telephone call that would be a challenge for another to deal with in an entire scene.

D.J.R. Bruckner, October 6, 1988: Ofelia González can speak volumes in silence with an eye or a brow and her voice always suggests there is no such thing as an innocent remark.

D.J.R. Bruckner, May 14, 1989: Ofelia González, as Bernarda Alba, makes you believe absolutely that her character is absurd, terrifying, irresistible and pitiable all at once.

D.J.R. Bruckner, September 1,1989: Ofelia González, as the title character in ‘La Nonna,’ is the key to the comedy.  Every time the play seems to be coming too close to dangerous emotions like sorrow, compassion or indignation, she rolls on stage just a bit more imperious, and hungry, than before.

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REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE 2022 MIRANDA FAMILY VOCES LATINX NATIONAL PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

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LAS VIDAS ROTAS by Yessi Hernández won first place in the third edition of the competition. The playwright will receive a cash award of $3,000.

September 2022 – New York, NY – Repertorio Español announces the winners of The 2022 Miranda Family Voces Latinx Playwriting Competition, an initiative to develop and promote Latinx/Latine plays that resonate with and accurately depict the Latinx/Latine experience. The competition is inclusive of all playwrights who are at least 18 years of age and residents of the United States or Puerto Rico.

“As artists, we have the huge responsibility of telling our stories. As we share them, we also learn, we connect with others, and we heal. We realize that by expressing what deeply moves us, we have the chance to make a difference. We can inspire, we can create awareness, and we can have justice. I’m profoundly honored and humbled by this life-changing opportunity that Repertorio Español and The Miranda Family are giving to our community. Thank you for building a platform to showcase the valuable and necessary Latinx voices on American stages, and for opening a door to have these conversations that, many times, we can only hold in the extraordinary catharsis of theater.” – Yessi Hernández

The 2023 Competition begins now! Submissions are due by Thursday, December 15, 2022. A reading series will be held in Spring 2023. For info, please visit repertorio.nyc/voceslatinx or email aav@repertorio.org.

WINNERS OF THE 2022 MIRANDA FAMILY VOCES LATINX NATIONAL PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

1ST PLACE: (AWARD: $3,000)
LAS VIDAS ROTAS by Yessi Hernández from New York, NY
Playwright Bio: Venezuelan actress, writer, producer, and journalist of Cuban and Spanish descent. TV host of the prime-time show Soy Un Boom and voice of the radio stations Hot94.1FM and 88.1FM. Co-founder and Executive Director of Corezon and editor-in-chief of La Guía Cultural in New York. She is the recipient of HOLA, Latin ACE, ATI, Arte, Talía and Latin Alternative Theater Awards as an actress and playwright.

About Las vidas rotas: A Venezuelan immigrant makes her way in the United States in search of a better future and a dream: to bring her mother amid one of the most controversial governments in history.

2ND PLACE: (AWARD: $2,000)
BLACK MEXICAN by Rachel Lynett from Minneapolis, MN
Playwright Bio: Rachel Lynett (she/they) is a queer Afro-Latine playwright, producer, and teaching artist. Their play, White People by the Lake was a 2022 Blue Ink Award finalist. Lynett is also the 2021 recipient of the Yale Drama Prize for their play, Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You Too August Wilson), and the 2021 recipient of the National Latinx Playwriting award for their play, Black Mexican.

About Black Mexican: Who gets to be a part of Latinidad? While Valery fights to prove Ximena isn’t Cuban, Alia has given up trying to prove that she is Latine. As the women in this play discover the truth about themselves and each other, they also must face the internal bias that allowed a white woman to be Cuban but don’t allow a Belizean to call herself Latine.

3RD PLACE: (AWARD: $1,000)
AGUA POR TODAS PARTES by Karina Curet from New York, NY
Playwright Bio: Born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Curet holds a BFA in Acting from SUNY Purchase and is a graduate student at the NYU Grad Acting Program. Has worked as an actor, Shakespeare and audition coach for teenagers and college students, casting assistant and playwright. NYU credits include: Three Sisters, The Tempest, and Learned Ladies of Park Avenue. SUNY Purchase credits include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Tales from the Vienna Woods, Museum, Inspector General, and Blood Wedding.

About Agua por todas partes: Three siblings meet at their late mother’s house to pack up and clean before handing it over to the new owners. In doing so, they discuss a big part of their inheritance. Everyone has different ambitions: Mario wants to develop restaurants, Marcos wants to grow his own food, and Marina doesn’t even know if she’s staying in Puerto Rico anymore. While unboxing a childhood that unites them, they also unearth their resentments towards each other and end up with a truth that’s making them drown; they are grieving their mother’s death and don’t know how to deal with it.

RUNNERS UP (AWARD: $500)

THE CHRYSALIS by Miguel Enrique Fiol-Elias from Edina, MN
Playwright Bio: Miguel Enrique Fiol-Elias is a Puerto Rican Neurologist at the University of Minnesota, has lived in the Twin Cities for 25 years, done research, published in journals and five books- three novels and, two poems; The Chrysalis is his first play. He is interested in Puerto Rican diaspora issues, is a grandfather of five, and has an active lifestyle with community work, writing and is the founder of a cultural organization – Fidecomiso de la Familia Fiol- in his native hometown of Ponce.

About The Chrysalis: The Chrysalis brings to life the dreams of a Puerto Rican family struggling to survive identities pulling them apart. In 1980s Puerto Rico, the AIDS epidemic has struck fear throughout the southern city of Ponce and the island. Raul, as he comes out to his family, discovers the secret gay love affair of his deceased grandfather, whose spirit then comes to his help.

VISTIENDO SANTOS by Andrés Correa Guatarasma from New York, NY
Playwright Bio: Venezuelan-born journalist and playwright, has covered news from more than 25 countries. Graduated Cum Laude in Social Communications, with a MA in Foreign Affairs. Has written for El Universal, AP/Associated Press, Agencia EFE, and El Diario NY. He belongs to the NY Foreign Press Center, HFPA, International Federation of Journalists, Dramatists Guild of America, and the North American Academy of the Spanish Language, branch of “Real Academia Española” (RAE). A bilingual writer, five times finalist in Repertorio Español’s contests, he is a Collaborator of Sundance Institute (Theater Lab Selection Reader) and NY State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

About Vistiendo santos: After an incident with her husband, Lulú flees from Texas to Santo Domingo, facing a long to-do-list with her family. Nothing has changed in her country, or has it? The reunion with her cousin Noelia contrasts the myths of “the American dream,” while Lulú yearns for a new life that would allow her to comfortably combine the best of both cultures: the Caribbean and the United States.

ABOUT THE MIRANDA FAMILY
For over 40 years, Luis A. Miranda, Jr. and Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda have championed community activism, viewing philanthropy as a three-pronged approach through giving, fundraising, and advocacy efforts. Along with Luz Miranda-Crespo, Lin-Manuel, Miguel Towns, and their respective spouses, Luis Crespo and Vanessa Nadal, they have created and supported institutions focused on underserved populations in Upper Manhattan, communities throughout NYC, across the country, and in Puerto Rico.

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REPERTORIO ESPAÑOL IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2022-2023 NEW YORK COMMUNITY TRUST VAN LIER FELLOWSHIPS

VAN LIER ALL 2

James Bruenger-Arreguin, Kathleen Capdesuñer, and Ana Luz Zambrana have been chosen for The New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowships.

Fellows will develop their craft by directing two productions in the summers of 2022 and 2023.

Three emerging, talented, and ambitious directors will have their artistic vision showcased at Repertorio Español’s Gramercy Arts Theatre, taking the opportunity of using Repertorio’s artistic and technical resources while working alongside Repertorio’s staff and Company. The first production premieres on Friday, July 15, 2022.

Through The New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowships, funded Repertorio provides professional development opportunities, and cultivates and mentors emerging Latinx/Latine directors living in New York City (ages 18-30) and gives the directors the opportunity to mount a professional production at Repertorio.

WINNERS OF THE NEW YORK COMMUNITY TRUST VAN LIER FELLOWSHIPS

JAMES BRUENGER-ARREGUIN

James Bruenger-Arreguin

James Bruenger-Arreguin: Born in Los Cabos, Mexico, raised in Denver, CO, James is an NYC-based Latinx/Latine director and producer currently working at the Creative Development office at Disney Theatrical Group. He has worked and collaborated with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Theatre Aspen, The 24 Hour Plays, Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre (Associate Artistic Director). Recent Credits: Colorado Spring Fine Arts Center: Guadalupe in the Guest Room and To Slay the Dragon. SCRT: The Last Five Years (Director), Evita (Director/Choreographer) Fly by Night (Choreographer), University of the Arts: Pop The Musical Exhibition (Director), and Momentos (Director). BFA in Directing, Playwriting + Production from the University of the Arts. www.directordeteatro.com

“The Van Lier Fellowship at Repertorio Español is a one-of-a-kind gift to the next generation of Latinx artists. The fellowship invites us to join an artistic home and community in which we are asked to investigate our creative voice and aesthetics over two summers. My belief is that directing theatre is all about participation and crafting an empowered space where artists can create freely. I am honored to be in this cohort and am thrilled by the opportunity to build at an institution whose mission is to celebrate Latinx culture and the Spanish language through live performance.”


KATHLEEN CAPDESUÑER

Kathleen Capdesuñer

Kathleen Capdesuñer [she/her] is a Florida grown, immigrant raised, Cuban-American director, producer and generative artist working in theatre and film. Kathleen is a fiercely generous collaborator who leads democratized modes of creation to decolonize the current artistic canon. Kathleen is an alum of: The Roundabout Directing Fellowship, The Civilians R&D Group, MTC John Alper Directing Fellowship, The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals and McCarter Theatre Center Directing Apprenticeship. She’s also developed and directed work with: Roundabout, Atlantic Theatre Company, Yale, EST, Noor Theatre, Columbia, Teatro LATEA, Moxie Arts New York, McCarter Theatre, NYU, and internationally in the Fringe Festival circuit. www.kcapdesuner.com

“It is an honor to join Repertorio Español as a Van Lier Fellow. I am excited to delve into two distinct and vital plays in the Latinx canon and bring it to life through a modern feminist lens.”


ANA LUZ ZAMBRANA

Ana Luz Zanabria
(Ella/Her) is a Puerto Rican actor, director, and critic. She received her BFA at UCF with a minor in Humanities, training as well at: Atlantic Co, BADA at Oxford University, and SBIFF. She is a SDC Directing Fellow, a Kennedy Center Directing Initiative alum, and a participant of Jose Solís’s BIPOC Critic Lab. She is currently a member of the “Did They Like It?” Cohort and a Latiné Musical Theatre Lab Associate. Growing up as a Boricua in South Dakota —with her media diet ranging from Rebelde to The Lizzie McGuire Movie— sparked her need to create stories that explore the diasporic experience of POC in our world.

“Being a Van Lier fellow gives me a platform to explore the diasporic life of latinidad in contemporary and classic Spanish works. Hoy día you can be latiné but grow up in South Dakota —just like I did— but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t grow up eating mofongo or listening to Olga Tañón. This fellowship is allowing not only room but support in exploring the growing intersections of our cultura. Me toca el alma que vieron mi mente “gringa” y dijeron que eso todavía es ser Latina.”

THE NEW YORK COMMUNITY TRUST
A public charity, The Trust is a grantmaking foundation dedicated to improving the lives of residents of New York City and its suburbs. We bring together individuals, families, foundations, and businesses to build a better community and support nonprofits that make a difference. We apply knowledge, creativity, and resources to the most challenging issues in an effort to ensure meaningful opportunities and a better quality of life for all New Yorkers, today and tomorrow.

GENERAL INFORMATION
By phone: 1-212.225.9999 | Online: repertorio.nyc

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