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It’s Summer at Repertorio!

July 9, 2014 by elc-admin
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It is officially summer in the city, which means Repertorio is in the full swing of its summer session!

The theatre is offering up a specially curated summer season. Alongside the incredible plays you can find year round like En el tiempo de las mariposas and Cita a ciegas, new plays like Barceló con hielo and the Van Lier Series display the products of young, talented Latino writers, directors and actors flexing their muscle and sharpening their artistic skills on Repertorio’s Stage. Check out just some of the amazing shows that these young Latino artists have put together!

 

BARCELÓ CON HIELO
(BARCELÓ ON THE ROCKS)

By Marco Antonio Rodríguez
Directed by José Zayas

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Javier Fano & Ivan Camilo in “Barceló con hielo” (Photo courtesy of Michael Palma) 

Repertorio’s summer hit has received rave reviews from many publications and networks, including TimeOut New York, The Huffington Post, Univision41 and many others.

The play follows the story of the miserly Nino Antonio Ortíz whose hallucinations of former Domincan president Joaquín Balaguer force him to confront the dark secrets of his family embedded in the Caribbean nation’s history. Simultaneously, he must confront the debilitating effects of both his illness and children as he deteriorates in his Washington Heights home.

A perfect mix of history, culture, comedy and tragedy, “Barceló con hielo” is a story with a universal message based on the psyche of not only Dominican immigrants, but anyone who has experienced to some degree the psychological and emotional effects of leaving home.

“Barceló con hielo” premiered at Repertorio Español on Friday, June 13th at 8pm.
SCHEDULE, TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://www.repertorio.org/barcelo or call 1-212-225-9999

 

 

EL CRUCE SOBRE EL NIÁGARA*
(CROSSING NIAGARA)

By Alonso Alegría Amézquita
Directed by Victoria Collado

Michael Palma for Repertorio Van Leer Crossing Niagra 020
Jorge Riverón & Eric Paterniani (Photo courtesy of Michael Palma) 

What happens when a famous tightrope walker is questioned on the genuineness of his act by a young scientist? They cross Niágara together, of course. El cruce sobre el Niágara is an excellent production by the young Victoria Collado that will make you laugh, gasp and marvel. Using Collado’s passion for incorporating dance and movement into her plays, El cruce sobre el Niágara is an exciting production that is guaranteed to leave you feeling good.

“El cruce sobre el Niágara” premiered at Repertorio Español on July 3rd at 7pm.
SCHEDULE, TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://www.repertorio.org/niagara or call 1-212-225-9999

 

 

FIN DE SEMANA*
(WEEKEND)

By Julio Ramón Ribeyro
Directed by Diego Chiri

FDS

“Fin de semana” is a lost treasure by one of Peru’s most prolific writers, Julio Ramón Ribeyro. Known mostly for his short stories and essays, the writer also produced beautifully written plays of which many are rarely produced. Directed by Diego Chiri, the play follows what happens when an indigenous child dies on the property of a private club. A young architect is forced to decide between protecting those of his social class or report the negligence, provoking a look at the dark side of class and race in Peru and Latin America.

“Fin de semana” will premiere at Repertorio Español on Thursday, July 24th at 7pm.
SCHEDULE, TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://www.repertorio.org/semana or call 1-212-225-9999

 

 

ASÍ VAN LOS FANTASMAS DE MÉXICO, PRIMERA PARTE*
(SO GO THE GHOSTS OF MEXICO, PART ONE)

By Matthew Paul Olmos
Directed by Estefania Fadul

fantasmas

The first part of a three-play cycle by Matthew Paul Olmos, Así van los fantasmas de México (Primera Parte), directed by Estefania Fadul, is a jarring look at the U.S/Mexico drug wars. Based on true events, a young woman volunteers to become the police chief in her village rife with violence and corruption. Using her new position to inspire pacifism and non-violence, she sparks a series of events that will affect her, her family, her enemies and her society as a whole.

“Así van los fantasmas de México (primera parte)” will premiere at Repertorio Español on Thursday, August 14th at 7pm.
SCHEDULE, TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://www.repertorio.org/fantasmas or call 1-212-225-9999

 

 

*This production is part of the 2014-2015 Van Lier Directing Fellowship, sponsored by The New York Community Trust. For more information visit www.repertorio.org/vanlier

 

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Meet the New Van Lier Fellowship Directors!

June 11, 2014 by elc-admin
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Every two years, Repertorio hand in hand with The New York Community Trust has chosen three accomplished, young, Hispanic directors the opportunity to hone their craft on Repertorio’s iconic stage. Now charged with two productions over two summers – one contemporary play in 2014 and a Siglo de oro (17th century Spanish) play in 2015 – Repertorio proudly welcomes Victoria Collado, Diego Chiri and Estefania Fadul and looks forward to the great energy these talented individuals will bring!

Their plays, El cruce sobre el Niágara, Fin de semana and Así van los fantasmas de México (primera parte) will be playing all summer. So check out the newest members of the familia Repertorio and don’t forget to buy your tickets to these three great plays!

For tickets, visit www.repertorio.org/fellowship or call (212) 225 9999

 

VICTORIA COLLADO

Vitoria Collado by Synapse Shots

HOMETOWN: Miami, Florida
BACKGROUND: Cuban
2014 PRODUCTION: El cruce sobre el Niágara by Alonso Alegría

Victoria Collado is a native of Miami, Florida of Cuban background and is a graduate of Florida International University where she received her BFA in Theatre Performance.

Both an actress and director, she is influenced by the works of Brecht, Pina Bausch and Agusto Boal and is very interested in mixing movement with naturalist plays to create an exciting energy in the theatre. Back in Miami, she directed for MicroTeatro Miami, What If Works and other theatres in the area.

She has chosen El cruce sobre el Niagara (Crossing the Niágara) as her New York Premiere, though her previous work on Los últimos días de una casa was nominated for an ACE award as well as an ATI Award win for Best Director of a Monologue.

El cruce sobre el Niágara by Alonso Alegría will be premiering at Repertorio on July 3rd. Following the story of an acrobat who is questioned by a skeptical young man, he is impelled to do what he has never done before – cross the Niagara with a man on his back.

 

DIEGO CHIRI

Diego M. Chiri by Natt McFee

HOMETOWN: Lima, Perú
BACKGROUND: Peruvian
2014 PRODUCTION: Fin de semana by Julio Ramón Ribeyro

Diego M. Chiri is a native of Lima, Peru – a graduate of the Champagnat High School and going on to graduate from the Community College of Philadelphia and Bucknell University with Cum Laude honors and degrees in Film and Theatre.

Diego has an impressive directing history in both film and theatre, having directed Ashes (2010), The Zoo Story (2011) and the documentary Devising the American Family (2012) which was screened at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Throughout his education, he garnered various scholarships and academic accolades, including the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship, the CCP Foundation Scholarship, and membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

A fan of the work of Julio Ramón Ribeyro – particularly the writer’s lesser known scripts – Diego will be directing the powerful Fin de semana (Weekend) by said author, premiering July 24th. Following the death of an indigenous child on the property of a private club in 1960s Lima, the architect of the building must decide between reporting the negligence or protecting his own social class – a decision made more difficult by the clubs owner, an oligarch capable of anything when his interests are threatened.

 

ESTEFANÍA FADUL

Estefanía Fadul by Shelly Rodríguez

HOMETOWN: Hannover, New Hampshire
BACKGROUND: Colombian
2014 PRODUCTION: Así van los fantasmas de México, primera parte by Matthew Paul Olmos

Estefania Fadul is a Colombian born, New Hampshire raised director with her own company – Pleiades Productions – of which she is Artistic Director. Aside from that impressive feat, she has also directed and co-produced various readings, workshops and productions including Well by Lisa Kron and Persephone by Mathew Minnicino (FringeNYC). She has assisted various directors like Ed Sylvanus Iskandar (The Flea), Jo Bonney (MCC), Sheryl Kaller (Powerhouse Theatre/NYSAF), Tracy Young (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and Michael Barakiva (Upstart Creatures).

A graduate of Vassar College, she has also studied at the Prague Film School and the Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab.

For her first Van Lier production at Repertorio, Estefania has chosen Así van los fantasmas de México, Primera Parte (So Go the Ghosts of México, Part One) by Matthew Paul Olmos, a fascinating play exploring the effect of the current U.S/Mexican drug wars. Inspired by true events, a young woman becomes the police chief of her village when nobody else dares to. Armed with a pacifist message, she must reevaluate the worth of her fight after she sets off a chain of events.

 

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In Memoriam: Repertorio Says Goodbye to Gabriel García Márquez

May 2, 2014 by elc-admin
michael palma for repertorio cronica 028

On May 2nd, Repertorio will be honoring the memory of writer Gabriel García Márquez with a special performance of Crónica de una muerte anunciada, one of Repertorio’s longest running productions based on the novel of the same name. García Márquez changed world literature with his countless novels and stories, one of the main figures in the development of the genre of magic realism. Through that vein, he made an indelible impact on our theatre. Repertorio has a long history with the stories of “Gabo”, and check out the past plays that we have had and still have.

CRONICA DE UNA MUERTE ANUNCIADA

DIRECTED BY JORGE ALÍ TRIANA 1999-2014

michael palma for repertorio cronica 028 Set against the backdrop of a small Colombian town, Chronicle of a Death Foretold explores the chain of events, false accusations, petty errors and biases that lead to the unnecessary, yet pre-determined murder of a young man. It is a tightly woven tale that really captures García Márquez’s spin on “magic realism”, exploring the antiquated moral codes, the conspiracy of silence, and the explosive issues of race and class that lead the story to its tragic ending.

EL AMOR EN LOS TIEMPOS DE CÓLERA

DIRECTED BY JOSÉ ZAYAS 2012-2014

michael palma for repertorio love in the time_061 A lyrical, imagistic play that focuses on an extraordinary love story between a poetically-inclined man named Florentino Ariza and a sensual, practical yet somewhat elusive woman named Fermina Daza. Spanning fifty years of time, the story plays out in a series of short scenic episodes filled with poetry, song, movement and heightened moments of theatricality. One of García Márquez’s most recognizable stories, this critically acclaimed play is a beautiful take on the world renowned novel. 

LA CANDIDA ERENDIRA

DIRECTED BY JORGE ALÍ TRIANA 1991-1996

CANDIDAERENDIRA0046-OfeliaGonzalez   Based on a strong story by Gabo, this play follows the dark travels of a grandmother and her granddaughter. Starring the famous Ofelia González, the production was directed by famous Colombian director Jorge Alí Triana, who was also friends with Gabriel García Márquez himself.

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A Vibrant Team for “Barceló con hielo”

April 4, 2014 by elc-admin
JoseZayas Color by MPalma EM300

With the highly anticipated world premiere of Repertorio’s newest production, Barceló con hielo, on the horizon, two of Repertorio’s most dynamic figures have teamed up to make this a one-of-a-kind and provocative production that will be a must-see for those interested in Caribbean culture, history and tradition. Resident Director José Zayas has teamed up with playwright Marco Antonio Rodríguez, combining a praised and distinct directing style with a unique story taking place between today’s Washington Heights and the Dominican countryside of the 1970s.

Well on the road to readings and rehearsals, take a minute to be introduced to the writer and director of this play that is bound to be one of the hallmarks of contemporary Hispanic-American theater.

Barceló con hielo will premiere on Friday, June 13th at 8pm. For tickets and reservations, go to www.repertorio.org/barcelo or call (212) 225 9999. 

 

JoseZayas Color by MPalma EM300José Zayas
Director

In 2004, José Zayas’ began his journey at Repertorio as part of the Van Lier Directing Fellowship. Born in Puerto Rico and a graduate of Harvard and Carnegie Mellon Universities, he has proven to be a major force in the world of Latino arts and culture. Alongside an impressive list of achievements outside of Repertorio, he would go on to direct seven productions for the company, and was recently named the official Resident Director. Many of his productions have gone on to win prestigious ACE (Association de Cronistas de Espectaculo) and HOLA (Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors) awards. Some of them include Madre, el drama padre ; Letters to a Mother, Nowhere on the Border; No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy; In the Time of the Butterflies; and Love in the time of Cholera.

Zayas has already made impressive and influential strides in New York’s theater scene. As co-Founder of the Immediate Theater Company, he has also held a residency at The Ensemble Studio Theater, has been listed on nytheater.com on their 2007 People of the Year list, is a Drama League Fellow, and is also an alumnus of Lincoln Center’s Directing Lab.

Marco Antonio Rodríguez
Writer 

Marco 4 no nameA native of New York City with deep roots in the Dominican Republic, Marco Antonio graduated from the famous La Guardia High School for the Performing Arts and graduated from Southern Methodist University. With a vibrant energy both on and off stage, he has acted, written, produced and directed – becoming one of the Latino theater scene’s most powerful emerging voices.

With a long and impressive list of credits, Rodríguez’s work has become widely known and increasingly visible. Some of his screenplays – namely Silence, Mariscal and Covenant – have swept various national screenwriting competitions including the NYC Midnight International Screenwriting Competition. He is also a contributor to Latino Leaders Magazine, and his play Heaven Forbid(s) was named outstanding new play by the Texas Critics Forum.

Rodríguez’s play La luz de un cigarillo was praised on an international level, receiving multiple HOLA and ACE awards as well as three Soberano awards – the most prestigious awards in the Dominican Republic. The play has been widely published, and is currently being included in various curriculums in multiple universities, including the University of Puerto Rico and Rutgers University.

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Dominicans on Stage: A History of Quisqueya & Repertorio

March 21, 2014 by elc-admin
Mariposas_RepertorioEspanol_FotoMichaelPalma_07org1
From left to right: Financial Manager Nieves Vásquez, Dominican Consul Hon. Luís Lithgow, Marco Antonio Rodríguez.

From left to right: Financial Manager Nieves Vásquez, Dominican Consul Hon. Luís Lithgow, Marco Antonio Rodríguez.

The Dominican American community here in the United States is expanding both in numbers and influence. The largest foreign-born community in New York City, Dominicans and Dominican-Americans play a vital part in the world of Latino arts and culture. A vibrant culture in music, dance, literature and theater, Repertorio has always taken steps to open its iconic stage to this extremely influential community.

In that great partnership, Repertorio Español will be presenting the world premiere of Dominican-American writer Marco Antonio Rodríguez’s new play, Barceló con hielo on June 13th. A touching testimony to the Dominican immigrant experience, the play is the latest in a long line of Dominican productions that have called Repertorio home. Here are only a few of our most popular works from Quisqueya la bella.

LA FIESTA DEL CHIVO
(THE FEAST OF THE GOAT)

WRITTEN BY MARIO VARGAS LLOSA
DIRECTED BY JORGE ALÍ TRIANA
2002-2011

Uranias_y_Chivo1 large

Based on the iconic novel of the same name by Mario Vargas Llosa, this powerful production was directed by the world famous Jorge Alí Triana. Following the story of General Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, dictator of the Dominican Republic from 1930-1960, the play was recognized by Vargas Llosa himself, saying “the adaptation by Triana has achieved the difficult task of being faithful to the facts and the spirit of the novel, and is at the same time very theatrical.”

EN EL TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS
(IN THE TIME OF THE BUTTERFLIES)

WRITTEN BY CARIDAD SVICH
DIRECTED BY JOSÉ ZAYAS
2011-PRESENT

Mariposas_By Michael Palma_05

“En el tiempo de las mariposas” continues to be one of Repertorio’s most popular plays, both with student groups and general audiences. Following the heroic story of the Mirabal sisters, the play is a sharp perspective not only into the history of these four heroines, but also their relationships with one another as sisters. Directed by Resident Director José Zayas, the play was written by writer Caridad Svich and based off Julia Álvarez’s novel of the same name. For tickets and reservations, click here.

OTHER PRODUCTIONS

SERENATA DOMINICANA – QUISQUEYA: HISTORIA EN MÚSICA
(DOMINICAN SERENADE)
Directed by René Buch
1994-1997

QUE BUENA AMIGA ES MI SUEGRA
(HOW GOOD MY MOTHER-IN-LAW IS)
Guest production – Directed by Franklin Domínguez
2002

MI TÍA LA JAMONA
(MY AUNT THE OLD MAID)
Guest production – Directed by Franklin Domínguez
2002-2004

COMPAÑÍA DE TEATRO BELLAS ARTES
(BELLAS ARTES THEATER COMPANY)
Guest production – Directed by FRANKLIN RODRÍGUEZ

“Barceló con hielo” will premiere on Friday, June 13 at 8 PM. For tickets, reservations and general information, visit www.repertorio.org/barcelo. 

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GUEST POST: Marco Antonio Rodríguez, A Powerful New Dominican Voice, Returns to Repertorio

March 6, 2014 by elc-admin
2013 MetLife Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition winner Marco Antonio Rodríguez
2013 MetLife Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition winner Marco Antonio Rodríguez

2013 MetLife Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition winner Marco Antonio Rodríguez

“I grew up taking in Repertorio Español productions such as “Café con leche”, “La casa de Bernarda Alba”, “Me saqué la lotería” and the always electric Pilar Roja… Although born and raised in New York City, the language spoken at home was strictly Spanish as was most of the entertainment absorbed: television, concerts, theater… From an early age I knew I desired a life in the arts. To work at an internationally renowned institution such as Repertorio Español which collaborates with Latino artists from around the globe would be, as they say in the Dominican Republic, ¡UN PALO! (A hit!) During these formative years the “MetLife Nuestras Voces” National Playwriting Competition had yet to come into existence.

I left the city and went off to undergraduate and graduate studies where I developed my skills as an actor, writer and director. Years later I came across the “MetLife Nuestras Voces” Competition… Was this for real? A national competition that strives to discover and nurture the best Latino plays and bring them to the attention of the American theater community? AND they can be written in English OR Spanish OR both? Count me in! Platanos and Hamburgers unite!

The first go-around the play I entered in the competition (a play written in Spanish) did not make it to the finalist stage. Instead, I received invaluable feedback from the judges and Repertorio team. Even without making it to the finalist round, they encouraged, advised and empowered me to continue onward with my script. This led to major re-writes and ultimately a full production at this other company which gave it a massively successful and award-winning run! Without “MetLife Nuestras Voces” I probably wouldn’t have had a platform to submit this Spanish-language play, and to receive encouraging feedback and  connections and confidence to make productive re-writes which led to a successful production.

Two years later I entered the competition again with my play, “Barceló con hielo” (Barceló on the Rocks.) This time, I was a finalist! Through the critical process of receiving a stage reading (which is part of the competition when you are a finalist) I was given constant guidance and feedback from the judges, Repertorio team and, most importantly, an audience. I was able to hear and see what worked and what didn’t without the pressures of a looming full production. For a writer, the development stage of the script is a necessity that some tend to want to bypass. I was thrilled to be immersed in one at Repertorio.

A few rehearsals, notes, rewrites, the stage reading in front of a live audience, more notes, more rewrites and then…My play WON the competition! I went from not even being a finalist two years prior to winning the whole thing! The play will now receive a full production/world premiere, June 13th, 2014.

With the win came national and international attention. I credit this to Repertorio Español’s reputation of providing quality Latin American, Spanish and Hispanic-American theater in New York City and across the country. I’ve now lost count of the many theater companies, production companies, and press that have reached out inquiring about and taking an interest in my work. Since the competition, several members of the Repertorio team have made themselves readily available to assist in the further development of the script. I’ve made many re-writes and through each one, I have a pool of trusted experts that I reach out to for feedback and encouragement.

Competitions such as “MetLife Nuestras Voces” are crucial to the development of new work and critical to the survival of up-and-coming Latino voices. At the moment, platforms for the development of new work are scarce and those specifically catering to Latinos are close to none.Winning is great, but there is an even greater gift that we must recognize – the fact that there is a place where Latinos can submit work that explores their own identity and experiences in the United States. Being able to submit work (regardless of the stage that it is in), receive feedback, and in my case as a finalist have a full staged reading and development time, is an opportunity that we must empower and support.”

Marco Antonio Rodríguez is the winner of the 2012 Nuestras Voces National Playwriting Competition and writer of “Barceló con hielo” and “La luz de un cigarillo.”

“Barceló con hielo” will premiere Friday, June 13th. For tickets, visit www.repertorio.org or call (212) 225 9999

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Meet the Brain Behind the Barbie

February 21, 2014 by elc-admin
Barbies Photo (final) (1)

280_280_2Wanda Arriaga is bringing her energetic show, ¡Qué felices son las Barbies! to Repertorio this spring, joining Saulo García and John Leguizamo as Repertorio’s next comedy. The Puerto Rican actress and comedienne will be pretty in pink as she brings her hysterical show to the stage. After touring internationally, this witty and sharp monologue is bound to be one of this spring’s most unique theatrical experiences in the world of Latino theater.

¡Qué felices son las Barbies! is a fantastic comedy that takes on some of the biggest issues that are both Latina and universal. The show follows Bárbara Pérez, a cabaret singer who has comfortably settled into a cycle of extreme diets and plastic surgery with the ultimate goal of becoming the physical embodiment of her childhood Malibu Barbie. Joining the character of Bárbara are several of her colorful friends – a psychologist named Cathy who draws her advice from the pages of Cosmopolitan Magazine, a Cuban bruja (witch) named Mariblanca, and Bárbara’s ex-boyfriend Kenny whose mysterious penchant for male friends and insistence on sleeping in separate beds have Bárbara perpetually suspicious.  As she spins the tale of her complex love life, she dives into a parade of her past disastrous amours.

In all, ¡Qué felices son las Barbies! is an electric comedy that examines the self-image pressures in a society obsessed with physical appearance. As Wanda assumes the character of Bárbara, she tackles some very serious issues. Physical beauty, obsession, addiction, and a childhood scarred by sexual violence and poverty all rear their head in the history of Bárbara Pérez. When one throws superb direction by Mario Colón and traditional boleros and merengues into the mix, ¡Qué felices son las Barbies! becomes a journey of laughs that stays with the audience long after the show is over. Audience members can look forward to a production with a one-of-a-kind and lively beat, unique in its style and distinct in its mission to entertain and enlighten. With strong themes and an ultimately empowering and important message, the show will premiere during the symbolic month of March – Women’s History Month.

Arriaga has for the past two decades been one of Repertorio’s most dynamic and recognizable actresses. Most recently, she stole New York’s heart in the role of Ramonita, the long suffering mother in Carlos Ferrari’s La nena se casa. A major recipient of both ACE and HOLA awards, Arriaga is also one of the co-founders of the prestigious Teatro Círculo and starred in the HBO short The Acting Lesson, which won Best Short at the 2012 New York Latino Film Festival. It is in ¡Qué felices son las Barbies! that Wanda will be rounding up her broad talents into one very funny and very pink production.

To support this inspiring production and for a very special video by the artist herself, check out the ¡Qué felices son las Barbies! Kickstarter page, where you can make a small donation.

¡Qué felices son las Barbies! will be premiering on Thursday, March 6th at 8:00 pm. For tickets, visit www.repertorio.org or call (212) 225-9999

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