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Michael Palma’s Shots of “Su nombre será su sombra para siempre”

Talented photographer Michael Palma stopped by Repertorio to snap these great shots of Repertorio’s newest play and 2013 winner of the MetLife ‘Nuestras Voces’ National Playwriting Competition, “Su nombre será su sombra para siempre” (Your Name Will Follow You Home) by Carlos Murillo and directed by José Zayas.

Following the story of a group of Hispanic-American writers in 1988 New York City, the play is a perfect example of not only what the ‘Nuestras Voces’ Competition can discover, but what Hispanic-American playwrights are writing and contributing to the great Latino tradition of theater. Another great treat is the incredibly designed and versatile set, conceived by Leni Méndez, which allows for a convenient transition between the play’s various settings.

With a planned run until February, check out Repertorio’s main website for tickets or call the box office line at (212) 225 9999

 

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Actor Germán Jaramillo Comments on Recent Tour of Repertorio Production, “Cita a ciegas” to Colombia

6- CITA A CIEGAS - Photo by Michael Palma
Mario Diament’s highly acclaimed play Cita a ciegas  is a play that has traveled the world over many times. Almost a year since its New York premiere at Repertorio Español, Repertorio fans have hailed the play as one of the best the company has produced. Directed by the world famous Jorge Alí Triana, the cast recently traveled under the auspices of generous The Mid Atlantic and STELAC Foundations to the prestigious International Theatre Festival in Manizales, Colombia, one of the most important and longest standing theatre festivals in Latin America.

Actor and film star Germán Jaramillo, who plays the role of the Blind Man in this one-of-a-kind play was particularly touched, however, as he returned to the cradle of his career.

“Without a doubt the tour was a great success for Repertorio. For me it was absolutely memorable not just as a return [to Colombia] but rather as a conquest. We performed in a full audience at the Los Fundadores Theater of Manizales, during the evening, something like one thousand people; on Monday afternoon, a difficult day, we had the theatre abour 90% full  and the performance was great; the first time we had performed the play in such a big space, a theater for 1,300 spectators. But the 7PM performance was so unique: clean, refined, full of new details with an alert audience that also had a lot of fun. For me it was very significant because Manizales is my hometown, I grew up there and saw my first plays in that theater, acting in my first plays in my acting career in Colombia. But to return there after so many years and act with a cast of such extraordinary quality like this one presented by Repertorio, in front of my friends from college and school and their families, and the acclaim that we received at the end was an experience like no other.

In Bogotá, it was even more exciting because in the theatre we performed in, the Teatro Libre del Centro, one can say that I literally built it with my own hands. I know its every corner and the day we arrived in Bogotá with Repertorio, we went to see the space . When I stood on that stage and said those first lines of the Blind Man, I again felt the exquisite acoustics in that space, the intimacy of the 200 spectators it can hold, and I was very proud to perform again in that space after fifteen years, together with the actors Repertorio has cast for this spectacle, and directed by a Colombian. All of the performances in Bogotá were praised by critics as well as by the public as an extraordinary experience, a concert of acting, a delightful text and a play full of theatrical scenery, rigor, and recognition of Repertorio Español as a first class company on a global scale.
The Pablo Tobón Uribe Theatre of Medellín wants to host Cita a ciegas, as does the National Theatre of Bogota and the Sociedad Privada de Barranquilla, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. I think it is very much a possibility that there can be a second tour next Spring.”

The tour may be over, but Cita a ciegas is back at Repertorio for the 2014-2015 season. Check out Repertorio’s main website for ticket information and stay alert for updates on another tour of this exciting and intriguing play that has captured the hearts and minds of theatergoers the world over.

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Meet the Cast of “Aire Frío”

Qué felices son las Barbies!

Meet the Romaguera family, the protagonists of Repertorio’s first production of the 2014-2015 season, Aire frío. The play follows the story of the strong willed pillar of the family, the anxious Luz Marina Romaguera, in her desperate 20 year struggle to find two things in life; a husband and an electric fan to keep her sane from the heat of 1950s Havana.

Repertorio will be premiering this groundbreaking play on Saturday, September 13th at 8PM, in addition to a special performance that Sunday at 2PM with a post-show panel discussion jointly with The Cuban Cultural Center of New York.

For tickets and more information, visit www.repertorio.org/aire or call (212) 225-9999

 

Zulema Clares
Country of Origin: Cuba
Role: Luz Marina Romaguera

Zulema Clares ORIGINAL (Color)

Zulema Clares is one of the Latino stage’s most recognizable faces, performing in an impressive number of productions at any given time as well as having garnered various important awards and recognitions. A graduate of Cuba’s National Arts School, her film and stage credits are many. At Repertorio, she is (currently) in “The House of Bernarda Alba,” “In the Time of the Butterflies,” “The Shoemaker’s Prodigious Wife,” “Blind Date” and “Love in the Time of Cholera,” among others. This year alone, she will be in two of Repertorio’s four new productions, including “Aire frío” and the golden-age play “El loco por fuerza” by Félix Lope de Vega. Ironically, this will be the first time Clares will portray a Cuban character at Repertorio.

 

Ana Margarita Martínez-Casado
Country of Origin: Cuba
Role: Ana Romaguera

Ana Margarita EM300
Ana Margarita Martínez-Casado is a prolific actress on both the stage and screen. Born in Camaguey, Cuba to a family of four generations of actors, singers and artists, she started a singing and acting career young, performing in various Zarzuelas in Cuba from the age of seventeen. Martínez-Casado famously portrayed the character of Juana Peña in the groundbreaking series, ¿Que pasa USA?, one of the first and only bilingual sit-coms that won her a regional Emmy. Among her many projects, performances and awards, Martínez-Casado has been in over thirty productions in Repertorio Español since 1973.

 

Frank Robles
Country of Origin: Puerto Rico
Role: Angel Romaguera

Frank Robles BW

A pioneer of Latino theater in New York City, Frank Robles is a co-founder of INTAR Theater and has won many awards, including a New York State Achievement Award for contribution to the arts in 1974, as well as an award from the Institute of Culture of Puerto Rico. He has worked in countless productions in both English and Spanish, including “Crossover Dreams” alongside Ruben Blades. He has been seen in many productions in Repertorio Español, including “Bodas de sangre,” “La celestina,” and currently in “La gringa.”

 

Sandor Juan
Country of Origin: Cuba
Role: Enrique Romaguera

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Sandor Juan began acting at age fifteen in a Telemundo series called, “De Padres a Hijos.” Mr. Juan also made his film debut appearing alongside Marisa Tomei in “The Perez Family,” a film directed by Mira Nair. In 2001 he enrolled at “New World School of the Arts” where he studied modern American Theater and the Hagen technique. He also attends Bobby Moresco’s workshop “The Actor’s Gym.” Other credits include the TV shows “Burn Notice” and “The Tonight Show” with Conan O’Brien. Mr. Juan’s theatre credits include “Matacumbe,” Jean Anouilh’s “The Traveler Without Luggage,” and Nilo Cruz’s ‘The Color of desire.” He made his premiere at Repertorio Español in “Probation” and would go on to act in the hit-comedy “La nena se casa” by Carlos Ferrari.

 

Pablo Andrade
Country of Origin: Venezuela
Role: Oscar Romaguera

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Pablo Andrade has most recently received two HOLA awards for his performances in the plays “Noche tan linda” at the Puerto Rican Travelling Theater and “El loco por fuerza” in Repertorio Español. He was also invited to the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts’ Cultural Visitors Program for Actors. Other credits in New York include “Por gusto” (Repertorio Español), “Cuentos de guerra para dormir en paz” (Corezon), “Balm in Gilead” (HB Playwrights Foundation), “Agravios de fortuna” (TEBA), among others.

 

Erick Gonzalez
Country of Origin: Puerto Rico
Role: Luis Romaguera

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Erick Gonzalez in a remarkably dynamic actor whose credits in New York City alone are an impressive collection of both English and Spanish language productions. This will be his second production at Repertorio, the first being the role of Feliciano in Félix Lope de Vega’s Golden Age era play, El loco por fuerza, also directed by Leyma López. The list of stages, theatres and companies he has appeared in include The West End Theatre, the Premiere Stages, the Frog and Peache Theatre Co., the NY Shakespeare Exhange, Hip to Hip Theatre Company, the Wild Project and many more.

 

Idalmis García
Country of Origin: Cuba
Role: Laura

Idalmis Garcia
Idalmis García graduated from the University of Havana with a degree in Art History, working extensively in theatre, film and television both in Cuba and the United States. Her credits are many, and include a wide array of international productions in Cuba, New York, and Germany. She was most recently seen in the HOLA award winning production, “Noche tan linda” by Pablo García- Gamez at the Puerto Rican Travelling Theater.

 

Annia Bu
Country of Origin: Cuba
Role: Laura

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Annia Bu received her B.F.A in Acting from Cuba’s Instituto Superior de Arte. Her film credits in both Cuba and the United States are many and include “Los dioses rotos” (2008), “El cuerno de la abundancia” (2009), and “Larga distancia” 2010. She has taken many awards from various distinguished international film festivals in the United States, Brazil and Cuba. This will be Bu’s second production at Repertorio, the first being El loco por fuerza by Félix Lope de Vega.

 

Mario Mattei
Country of Origin: Puerto Rico
Role: Vendedor, Miranda, Don Benigno y Pepe

Mario Mattei B&W

Mario Mattei is a native of Puerto Rico and a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, having studied drama there. As a student, he came into contact with director Dean Zayas, a pioneer and instrumental figure in the theatrical movement in Puerto Rico. A master of both the stage and the screen, Mattei openly prefers theater and considers it to be a demanding and challenging, though rewarding, vehicle for dramatic expression.

Mattei is a hallmark of Repertorio’s company of actors, holding roles in productions like “El Quijote” and “Crónica de una muerte anunciada,” both directed by Jorge Alí Triana, “La fiesta del chivo” and Carmen Rivera’s groundbreaking play “La gringa” which still continues to sell out theaters to this day.

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It’s Summer at Repertorio!

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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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In Memoriam: Repertorio Says Goodbye to Gabriel García Márquez

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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Dominicans on Stage: A History of Quisqueya & Repertorio

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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

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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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Acerca de - Artists Stories

Meet the Brain Behind the Barbie

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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