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As we all know the work situation for artists, writers, actors, performers and other cultural laborers has been tough in the island of Puerto Rico for the past several years, and it does not seem to be getting any better, sad to say.
Pregones Theater makes an ambitious and bold attempt with it's new play The Harlem Hellfighters On A Latin Beat, by transferring to the stage part of the life of musician and composer Rafael Hernández, one of our most beloved and internationally recognizable assets, during a pivotal period of our collective experience.
In the able hands of experienced thespian, playwright and cultural promoter Rosalba Rolón, the story of the military experience of our guys takes a new dimension, highlighting an important chapter of our troubled relationship with the United States with a light touch and an unblinking look.
The Harlem Hellfigthers On A Latin Beat, showed to sold out audiences during the Fall Season, promises to return to the Pregones Stage in the South Bronx this next Spring.
Another hard working stage crew comes from the folks at Nueva Escena. Modesto Lacén, a close friend and collaborator is also contributing to the effort of keeping our talent busy.
But, hey, things are tough all over.
Hardships aside, there are lots of talented people that moved to the City in search of a brighter future (and a tolerable present, at least) and are making strides in the local cultural scene. Kuddos to you all!
Hardships aside, there are lots of talented people that moved to the City in search of a brighter future (and a tolerable present, at least) and are making strides in the local cultural scene. Kuddos to you all!
The proof is in the putting:
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Pregones Theater makes an ambitious and bold attempt with it's new play The Harlem Hellfighters On A Latin Beat, by transferring to the stage part of the life of musician and composer Rafael Hernández, one of our most beloved and internationally recognizable assets, during a pivotal period of our collective experience.The play assumes its subject matter from an interesting perspective bringing forth some insightful information about that experience and how affected the artist, his peers, his family and the country as a whole.
A mixture of music, history and the clash of cultures is always a welcome recipe for interesting theater experimentation. The Harlem Hellfighters On A Latin Beat benefits from the strength of a solid cast, headed by veteran singer Danny Rivera. One of the big surprises of the premiere night's performance, at least for me, was the singing voice of Yaraní Del Valle: sweet, strong, clear and very moving. Her roller-skating rendition of Victoria Hernández was a strange apparition on stage, yet her presence and singing performance was definitely a gift to the senses.
In the able hands of experienced thespian, playwright and cultural promoter Rosalba Rolón, the story of the military experience of our guys takes a new dimension, highlighting an important chapter of our troubled relationship with the United States with a light touch and an unblinking look.
The Harlem Hellfigthers On A Latin Beat, showed to sold out audiences during the Fall Season, promises to return to the Pregones Stage in the South Bronx this next Spring.
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Another hard working stage crew comes from the folks at Nueva Escena. Modesto Lacén, a close friend and collaborator is also contributing to the effort of keeping our talent busy.His latest production features the beautiful, multitalented and energetic Sunilda Caraballo in the one woman show Harware Dreams, an enjoyable trip down memory lane Santurce style.
Full of energy and fun family situations, the monologue, written by Sunilda, takes a look a what is like to grow up in an urban Caribbean setting with some hilarious results. Lets hope that they show this again soon, so more people can share the experience.
Just so you know, Modesto was awarded one of this year's coveted Hola Awards and is also the host of the internet TV Show Hollywood... Se Habla Español, produced by yours truly and set to debut soon on a computer near you. Don't forget to click on Terramax.biz and show your support.
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Actor and voice talent Ivan Camilo is also working hard on some upcoming surprises. Is always good to hear that he is keeping busy. Can't wait to see what he is preparing for his public and fans, though I have an idea (wink, wink).
Also busy are our friends Carina Casiano and Daniel Irizarri with the play The Orphans at The Club at La MaMa ETC, show continues this weekend until Dec. 12. Don't miss it!
And of course the staples of Latino Theater in The City: the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater and Repertorio Español always keep doing their thing.
So, you see, its not all that bad. Lets keep it that way. Until the next installment, for now let the curtain fall, standing ovation, please, and thank you, very much.
Will keep you posted.
