Teatro del Pueblog

Teaching of Langages and Cultures Conference

2011-10-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Our golden past, our golden future was the theme at the 2011 Minnesota Council on the Teaching of Languages and Cultures (MCTLC) conference this October. MCTLC’s mission is to advance the teaching of world languages and cultures in Minnesota by bringing educators together for a sharing of knowledge and ideas.

At this year’s conference Teatro performed The Adventures of Juan, a puppet show about a young Chicano boy discovering his heritage and culture through visits from mythical Minnesotan and Mexican historical figures. After the performance the actors and artistic director, Al Justiniano, engaged participants in a short interactive workshop about the themes brought up in the show, including cultural alienation, and the dehumanization that can occur against immigrant communities in Minnesota.

A main purpose of Teatro’s participation in the conference was to spread the word about the upcoming performance of The House on Mango Street, a play adapted from the beloved coming-of-age novel about a young girl growing up in a Latino neighborhood in Chicago. Along with spring performance Teatro is offering in-school residencies to explore the themes represented in the book and upcoming show to students studying the House on Mango Street in their classrooms.

Teatro will continue to be involved in showcasing their programs at the next MCTLC conference next year. Thanks to the organizers for providing Teatro with the excellent opportunity. Until next year!

House on Mango Street

2011-10-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

In collaboration with Pangea World Theater, Teatro, is bringing the House on Mango Street to the Twin Cities. Adapted from the beloved coming-of-age novel written by Sandra Cisneros, House on Mango Street is the story of a young girl growing up in Chicago who struggles with wanting to leave her Latino neighborhood and hold onto her identity as a Mexican-American woman.

The play beautifully captures the moving story of the book while transforming it for the stage in a series of vignettes. The play follows the protagonist, Esperanza, as she grows up while under the watchful eye of Esperanza's adult self who narrates the story.

The play will premiere this spring at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis. Exact show dates will be released soon.

Moxie Awards

2011-10-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

Commitment to promote and protect the Latino community’s creative culture is the message Teatro del Pueblo artistic director, Al Justiniano, drove home at the Moxie Awards September 17, 2011.

Teatro del Pueblo, a grant recipient from Philanthropic Foundation (P-Fund), an organization dedicated to developing and supporting the LBGT community by providing grants and scholarships, was invited to speak at the Moxie Awards, an event dedicated to honoring 2010-2011 P-Fund grant recipients.

With the support of P-Fund, Teatro produced Gaytino!, a critically -acclaimed one man show by Dan Guerrero about a father/son relationship and a treasured boyhood friendship chronicling through decades of Chicano history and the gay experience.

Teatro continues to be dedicated to celebrating the vibrant LGBT community in the Twin Cities metro through our artistic programming. It is the support of organizations like P-Fund that make our work possible.

Teatro del Pueblo Receives Art Grant

2010-10-26T15:01:00.001-07:00

Teatro del Pueblo received ten thousand dollars in funding from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) to be used for the 10th Annual Political Theater Festival.

Teatro's PTF, which consists of several visiting national performances and local plays following the theme Latinos in Transition, will be presented at Gremlin Theatre in Feburary and March 2011.

Teatro del Pueblo's Artistic Director Al Justiniano with check presenter Senator Sandy Pappas.

On October 15th, 2010, several arts organizations from Saint Paul were presented large visual representations of their award checks for upcoming arts projects and activities. These grants were awarded through a competitive process by MRAC using funds from an appropriation from the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

As a nonprofit theatre company, Teatro del Pueblo relies on donations and generous grants such as this to continue our work of promoting Latino culture through the creation and presentation of performing arts. Teatro develops and supports Latino artists, provides educational opportunities for all to experience Latino culture, and promotes cross-cultural dialogue.

Teatro welcomes a new intern!

2010-10-19T14:11:00.001-07:00

Four years ago, native St. Louisan Rebecca Willman drifted up the Mississippi River to St. Paul for college. She studies Studio Art and Hispanic Studies at Macalester College, and apart from her school life she likes to delve into the culinary delights of baking, learn and practice how to knit, watch movies, bike, play with her sister’s cats, and refer to herself in the third person. Now in her final semester (whew!) of college, she hopes to expand her horizons and get involved with the community through the non-profit sector. Rebecca came to Teatro del Pueblo after hearing about it through her school and wanting to work for a community arts education program in the Latino community. She hopes to learn more about the inner workings of Teatro and expand her portfolio by creating images for upcoming shows and events. When asked her favorite thing about working with Teatro del Pueblo in a recent interview with herself, Rebecca stated, “the bus ride. It’s really nice to get out and see St. Paul and spend a couple of hours reading on my journey. It keeps me calm and prepares me for a rigorous day at Teatro’s office.” Jokes aside, Rebecca really does enjoy working with Teatro del Pueblo and team members Al, Jonelle, and fellow intern Chad.

What's new for Teatro?

2010-08-30T08:17:00.001-07:00

Summer is winding down and along with cooler winds and shorter days come exciting new changes! Here at Teatro del Pueblo, one of those crisp breezes blew in our new AmeriCorp Vista worker, Jonelle Carrera. Jonelle will be joining us for the year as an Educational Coordinator where her main project will be creating our Open Minds program which will target the problem of low education rates for Latino students through theater exercises.

Of course no back-to-school season is complete without the return of Teatro's educational residencies. We have several shows that are appropriate for different age groups from pre-school up through college. If you are interested in collaborating with Teatro this school year, call us at 651-224-8806 and ask for Al.

Our artistic season is gearing up as well as we dive right into the West Side Theater Project's performance, Phantom of the Kitchen. Written by Teatro's Executive Director Al Justiniano, Phantom is a celebration of Latino culture and cooking that takes place right in our own backyard- or at least our neighborhood- St. Paul's West Side. Phantom of the Kitchen is running September 10-12 at the Wellstone Stage at Neighborhood House and tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124887 or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

We are also in the process of preparing for our 10th annual Political Theatre Festival which will take place from late February to early March 2011. The PTF will feature a variety of one-act plays that all deal with the theme "Latinos in Transition". We are currently still accepting scripts for the Festival, so if you have a play that runs 15 to 45 minutes long, features no more than three actors and has minimal props/set, we would love to see it. Just e-mail the script, a synopsis and a character breakdown to al@teatrodelpueblo.org as soon as possible and we will check it out!

Stay tuned to the blog, our website or our Facebook page for more updates!

Last weekend for HOBA

2010-04-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the LAST WEEKEND for the House of Bernarda Alba!

and this Thursday is a Pay-What-You-Can Night, meaning there are no reserved seats and you pay what you want to/can afford, be it $8, or be it $88!

If you can't make it Thursday, there are still performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for $15 general admission and $12 Students and Seniors.

All performances at 7:30 at SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street North, St. Paul, MN

For tickets for Fri-Sun, call 1-800-838-3006

or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/100815.

(Tickets are available for purchase up until four hours before performances. After that, remaining tickets will be sold at the Box Office.

For more information visit our website www.teatrodelpueblo.org

Univision TV Interview

2010-04-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

We are featured in a Univision TV Interview on youtube for the House of Bernarda Alba!!
The interview is in Spanish.
We are featured 2 mins in to the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFxW6lRhm_4

HOBA Opening Weekend!

2010-04-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

This Friday is opening night of The House of Bernarda Alba!

Teatro del Pueblo and Pangea World Theater are bringing you this classic drama by Federico García Lorca.
Life and passion erupt from the oppressive environment in The House of Bernarda Alba where five adult daughters are kept in mourning for their dead father. Bernarda, an overbearing mother is desirous to deny the outside world to her daughters and shroud any controversy in silence. The youngest daughter Adela, determined to reach for love, disrupts the established order in this 20th century classic.

For Tickets call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/100815.

(Tickets are available for purchase up until four hours before performances. After that, remaining tickets will be sold at the Box Office.

$15 General Admission

$12 Students/Seniors
Parking:

Free parking for weekend performances is available in the William Mithcell College of Law parking lot, one block south of the theatre. The entrance is on Victoria St., just north of Summit Avenue.

Inexpensive paid parking is available at the Victoria Crossing ramp on the corner of Victoria and Grand Avenue. Out of courtesy to the neighbors, on-street parking on residential streets is discouraged. Please respect posted parking restrictions.
We Hope to see you all there!!! And don't forget to bring friends!!!!

The House of Bernarda Alba

2010-03-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

So our Political Theatre Festival 2010 has come to a close :( but it has been a great year! Thanks to all the actors, directors, audience members, and everyone involved for making it possible! We are already preparing for next years event!

For our next production, we are teaming up with Pangea World Theater to bring you Federico García Lorca’s classic drama, The House of Bernarda Alba.

Life and passion erupt from the oppressive environment in The House of Bernarda Alba where five adult daughters are kept in mourning for their dead father. Bernarda, an overbearing mother is desirous to deny the outside world to her daughters and shroud any controversy in silence. The youngest daughter Adela, determined to reach for love, disrupts the established order in this 20th century classic.

April 9 - 25, 2010
Thursdays - Sundays at 7:30 pm

SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street North, St. Paul, MN

Tickets:

For tickets, call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/100815.

(Tickets are available for purchase up until four hours before performances. After that, remaining tickets will be sold at the Box Office.

$15 General Admission

$12 Students/Seniors

For more information go to our website! www.teatrodelpueblo.org

We hope you all will join us for our next production!!!

Last Weekend for PTF/Rehenes Film

2010-03-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

This is the last weekend for the 2010 Political Theatre Festival!

It is Series C, A one man show written and performed by Teo Castellanos called
N.E. 2nd Avenue

It is about several different characters living in Miami

Final Showings are
Tonight! March 12 and Tomorrow March 13
both at 8 pm
at Intermedia Arts

2822 South Lyndale Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55408

Tickets prices are:

$15 General Admission

$12 Students/Seniors

Also!

This Saturday, March 13 at 2:00pm at Intermedia,

The U.S. Premire of the film
Rehenes (Hostages)

The film, Rehenes, translated as Hostages in English, is a fictional movie surrounding a historic event in 1996, in which more than 500 people were taken hostage by MRTA guerrillas in the Japanese Embassy in Lima, Peru. The movie centers around a journalist/theatre director who decides to direct a play on the takeover to uncover political intricacies of the social movement. This movie is recommended for mature audiences only.

Presented in Spanish with English Subtitles

Director Bruno Ortiz, will be available after the show for Q&A!

Tickets $6

Teatro's on Facebook, Al is on YouTube... What's next?!

2010-03-02T15:51:00.001-08:00

Are you on Facebook? Make your patronage of Teatro "Facebook official" by becoming a fan. While you're at it, why don't you RSVP to the 2010 Political Theatre Festival and invite your Facebook friends to attend as well?

Also, don't forget to check out Al's YouTube debut:

PTF Press: Read all about it!

2010-03-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

Twin Cities Daily Planet: "Teatro del Pueblo's Political Theatre Festival again asks the tough questions—and waits for your answers" by Lydia Howell

MinnPost: "Seven plays in Teatro del Pueblo's Political Theatre Festival" by David Hawley

MPR State of the Arts Blog: "Weekend ahead: cool stuff reigns" by Euan Kerr

KFAI Radio: "Feb. 26 on Catalyst; Teatro del Pueblo gender and geopolitics through Latino lens" by Lydia Howell

MNArtists.org: "The 9th Annual Political Theatre Festival"

Get Ready!

2010-02-24T14:57:00.000-08:00

The Political Theatre Festival Starts tommorrow!!!!

Tickets are
$15 General Admission
$12 Students/Seniors/Fringe Buttons
$11 Group Rate (10 or more)

There are also 3 Pay-What-You-Can dates:
Feb. 25 at 8:00 pm
Feb. 28 at 7:00 pm
Mar. 3 at 8:00 pm
No reservations are taken for pay-what-you-can shows; $8 suggested donation.

Series A

Thursday, Feb. 25, 8:00 pm (Pay What You Can)
Saturday, Feb. 27, 8:00 pm
Sunday, Feb. 28, 7:00 pm (Pay What You Can)
Friday, Mar. 5, 8:00 pm
Sunday, Mar. 7, 2:00 pm

The American Is Dreaming
by Ignacio Zulueta

An interactive, improv-based show following the Immigration and Naturalization process for citizenship in America. No two performances are alike, as each performance is altered based on the audience’s input throughout the play.

Whatever and Delicately
by Pia Wilson

Two women with very different perspectives on life find themselves in a long conversation in the ladies' restroom of an upscale Mexican restaurant. Their conversation reveals just how wrong first impressions can be when you take the time to really look beyond the surface.

American Civil Liberties
by Dominic Orlando

An Illegal Immigrant's name appears in a New York Times article saying she has died while being detained by the Division of Immigrant Health Services. John seeks out answers for this woman's family, but the INS manager tries denying any involvement with this dark case.

Series B

Friday, Feb. 26, 8:00 pm: B
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2:00 pm: B
Wednesday, Mar. 3, 8:00 pm: B (Pay What You Can)
Thursday, Mar. 4, 8:00 pm: B
Saturday, Mar. 6, 8:00 pm: B

Embassy of the Americas
by Dominic Orlando

One man’s trying ordeal to get an entrance visa into the US at the American embassy becomes a test of wills. Does it pay to follow all the rules and procedures, whether or not they make any sense? He wants to become an American because he loves America, but is that enough?

Sarita, The Frowning Immigrant
by Guillermo Reyes

A girl from El Salvador comes to Los Angeles and undergoes a series of surgeries to restore her smile. This piece touches on the ironies of life as an immigrant in the US and how something as simple as smiling can change your life.

The Free Market
by Dominic Orlando

A man is confronted by his past late one night outside his house. The unexpected, undocumented visitor reminds him of his prior transgression. Who is the criminal and who is the victim? You decide.

Series A and B at the Gremlin Theatre
2400 University Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104

Series C

March 11 - 13

Thursday, Mar. 11, 8:00 pm
Friday, Mar. 12, 8:00 pm
Saturday, Mar. 13, 8:00 pm

at Intermedia Arts
2822 South Lyndale Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408

N.E. 2nd Avenue
written and performed by guest artist Teo Castellanos

This one-man play is a compilation of characters that make Miami their home. A jitney—a small Caribbean bus—becomes a metaphor for a journey that takes the audience through the bumpy streets of this city. The work conveys with poignancy and humor the profoundly rich and textured mix of Miami in which distinct Cuban, Haitian, Jamaican, Puerto Rican, Jewish, Gay/Lesbian, and African American influences emerge. N.E. 2nd Avenue brings voices to Miami's marginalized urban populations, exploring underlying issues of racism and social injustice, acknowledging the differences among us and ultimately discovering the common threads that bind us together.

Political Theatre Festival 2010!

2010-02-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

Wow! It has been a long time since the blog has been updated!

It is a very exciting time here at Teatro del Pueblo. Almost time for our 9th annual Political Theatre Festival! The dates this year are February 25th- March 13th. Our theme is "Across the Divide," which seeks to explore the geo-political divide between the United States and Latin America as well as the infamous "gender-divide." There will be three different series of plays taking place on different days of the festival. Series A will include 3 plays: The American Is Dreaming by Ignacio Solute, Whatever and Delicately by Pia Wilson, and American Civil Liberties by Dominic Orlando. Series B will include: Embassy of the Americas by Dominic Orlando, Sarita, The Frowning Immigrant by Guillermo Reyes, and The Free Market by Dominic Orlando. The third series will be N.E. 2nd Avenue, a special performance by Teo Castellanos. They all should be interesting takes on Latino Immigration and Latina women's issues. For tickets, call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/13486.

So yeah, just a quick update. Hopefully we will keep updating this more frequently!

Ellie's Intern Experience

2009-08-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

Riiiiiiiiing Riiiiiiiing

“Hello! Teatro del Pueblo, this is Ellie.”

Every time I use that phone greeting, I am surprised.

How did I – a born Minnesotan and staunch English speaker – become affiliated with the premier Latino theatre company in the Midwest?

I blame Al.

I had heard that Teatro del Pueblo was committed to social justice theatre before I applied for a summer internship position. As a self-designed “Theater for Social Justice” major, I thought it would look great on a resume.

When preparing for the interview, I tried to think of clever answers to the questions that my parents and professors had told me to expect:

FACELESS INTERVIEWER: Do you have any past administrative experience?
ANXIOUS ME: A little.

FACELESS INTERVIEWER: Do you know how to use a Mac?
ANXIOUS ME: Um – sorta.

FACELESS INTERVIEWER: Can you readily adapt to changes in your work environment?
ANXIOUS ME: What? … Sure.

FACELESS INTERVIEWER: Are you reliable?
ANXIOUS ME: Sometimes.

Oh, yeah. I was getting hired for sure.

But actually, the interview didn’t go that way at all. I sat down with Al, Teatro del Pueblo’s Artistic Director, and listened to him explain Teatro’s mission and programming. It was clear that he was very passionate about the company, and I grew worried that I wouldn’t be able to answer his questions with equal fervor.

But then he asked:

“So Ellie – what is your passion?”

I was stunned. Even though I was vying for a position in an arts organization, I didn’t expect for my passions to be recognized. Certainly not as an intern. Certainly not this soon.

So I told him. I told him that, more than anything else, I wanted to be a playwright. And he listened. And he considered.

“You know, I think that Teatro could help you out with that. We have a lot of projects that involve new play development.”

And so my summer internship with Teatro del Pueblo began.

The experience has been so much more than a resume-builder for me. Al has been true to his word about presenting me with opportunities to grow as a playwright. This summer, I have overseen the submissions for our annual Political Theatre Festival, reviewed scripts for Teatro del Pueblo’s educational programming, aided in the development of a community-based musical, and even written my own puppet show for the company’s 2010-2011 season.

Also, Teatro del Pueblo has supported me in my own theatrical endeavors. This summer, I wrote and produced a one-act play about marriage in my garage. Not only did Al attend the event, but he also offered to sponsor four hours of dramaturgical consultation at the Playwright Center.

All of this has been in addition to learning other valuable skills such as office management, grant writing, publicity and networking. I was even able to serve as stage manager and actress in Teatro del Pueblo’s 2009 MN Fringe Festival show.

Now that the summer is drawing to a close, I am looking for ways to continue my relationship with Teatro as an artist and friend. I look forward to seeing what new faces –and passions – will enter the company next!

Call for Submissions!

2009-06-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Teatro del Pueblo is seeking submissions for its Ninth Annual Political Theatre Festival!

Since 2002, Teatro del Pueblo’s Political Theater Festival has given voice to a wide range of contemporary Latino issues. This year’s festival theme, “Across the Divide,” seeks to explore the geo-political divide between the United States and Latin America as well as the infamous “gender divide.” We are therefore looking for fresh, dynamic plays that pertain to Latino immigration and/or Latina women’s issues.

Characters: 3 maximum
Length: 15 – 45 minutes
Minimal sets, please.

To submit electronically, please e-mail a copy of your play to al@teatrodelpueblo.org with “PTF 2010 PLAY SUBMISSION” in the subject line.

You may also send a hard copy of your submission to:

Teatro del Pueblo
PTF 2010 PLAY SUBMISSION
209 Page Street W. #213
St. Paul, MN 55107

DEADLINE: Postmarked no later than September 15th,

We look forward to reading your work!

Spring Residencies

2009-05-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

This Spring, Teatro del Pueblo did residencies at Highwood Hills, where we used theater to teach literacy and poetry, and Cherokee Elementary, where we taught an Aztec dance class in collaboration with Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc in preparation for their Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Here's some pictures.

Location, Location, Location

2009-04-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Teatro del Pueblo is gearing up for our spring show, "The True History of Coca-Cola in Mexico". We are proud to announce that we will be performing our show at a NEW venue: Gremlin Theatre. Take a look yourself here.

Not only is it in our native St. Paul but it is so close to Minneapolis that you could practically throw a sombrero at Minneapolis and hit it. Convenient, no?

Also, there is free parking kitty-corner to the theatre at US Bank. And if you didn't think it could get any better, it is right on the bus route. Be green and plan your trip using Metro Transit's Trip Planner.

Opening night is May 1st and we can't wait! Pretty soon it will be Cinco de Mayo so start planning to spend some time with us that week. Want to know more about our production of "The True History of Coca-Cola"? Visit us at our website, oh, and friend us on Myspace.

Political Theater Festival off to a Great Start!

2009-02-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

The 8th Annual Political Theater Festival is off to a great start this year. We opened Series A on Thursday, Series B on Friday, and performed our educational matinee for El Colegio, Multicultural Indigenous Academy and Eagan High School On Friday during the day. If you haven't had a chance to see this year's edition of our most successful program, you still have time! Series A and B run through March 1, and then spoken word artist Paul Flores comes into town with his hip hop theater production, Representa! We hope to see you soon. More info at www.teatrodelpueblo.org and www.intermediaarts.org!

"Help Wanted" at Emmerson Immersion School

2009-01-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to support from Project Success, we had a very successful show at Emmerson Immersion School.

Political Theater Festival 2009

2009-01-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

This year's Political Theater Festival is fastly approaching! The festival, now in its eighth year, features new work by local playwright Rhianna Yazzi, Dominic Orlando, and guest spoken word artist Paul Flores.

This year's theme is Social Justice, so come on down to Intermedia Arts for some great theater and dialogue.

TEATRO DEL PUEBLO'S EIGHTH ANNUAL POLITICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 19th – March 14th, 2009

At Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls, MN 55408
$15 Adults; $13 Seniors/Students/Fringe Button; $11 Groups of
10+/Intermedia Arts Members

In the tradition of Latin American theatre, Teatro del Pueblo once
again joins forces with Intermedia Arts, the University of Minnesota
and the Resource Center of the Americas to bring Minnesota the
biggest, brightest and best Political Theatre Festival yet! This year
includes new plays from around the world, an all new interactive
theatre piece exploring Social Justice and in closing weekend the
Midwest debut of REPRESENTA, written and performed by renowned spoken
word and theatre artist Paul Flores!

Series A: Feb 19, 21, 22, 27, March 1
"Las Madres" by Rhiana Yazzie
"Vivia's Lament" by Matthew Paul Olmos
"Speak America" by Dominic Orlando

Series B: Feb 20, 22, 26, 28, March 1
"R.I.P." by Jose Martinez Queirolo
"La Autopsia" by Enrique Buenaventura
And an all new interactive theatre piece by Dominic Orlando!

For reservations, please contact tickets@teatrodelpueblo.org or call
651-224-8806
For more information on the Political Theatre Festival, please call
(651) 224-8806, or visit www.teatrodelpueblo.org

*All performances in English with some Spanish unless otherwise noted

SERIES A
Thursday, February 19, 8pm (pay what you can)
Saturday, February 21, 8pm
Sunday, February 22, 2pm
Friday, February 27, 8pm
Sunday, March 1, 7pm (pay what you can)

Las Madres by Rhiana Yazzie
Directed by Delta Giordanio
A fresh look at Las Madres de La Plaza de Mayo through the eyes of
their grandchildren.

Vivia's Lament by Matthew Paul Olmos
Directed by Hayley Finn
One immigrant woman's tremendous journey.

Speak America! by Dominic Orlando
Directed by Mark Monfils
Social Justice collides with commercialism in a new hit TV show.

SERIES B
Friday, February 20, 8pm
Sunday, February 21, 7pm (pay what you can)
Thursday, February 26, 8pm (pay what you can)
Saturday, February 28, 8pm
Sunday, March 1, 2pm
Sunday, March 2, 2pm

R.I.P. by Jose Martinez Quierolo
Directed by Carlos Vargas
An odd couple take their own humorous, postmortem look at classicism
based on their own aristocratic status.

La Autopsia by Enrique Buenaventura
A tragic look at one man's struggle as his duty in society versus his
duty to family.

NEW INTERACTIVE by Dominic Orlando Directed by Brian Balcom
The trail of the century comes to Teatro del Pueblo and puts Social
Justice to the test!

Series C:

REPRESENTA, Written and Performed by Paul Flores, March 5, 6, 7

REPRESENTA! Bilingual Theatre for the Hip-Hop Generation,
Co-commissioned by the San Francisco International Arts Festival, La
Peña Cultural Center, GALA Hispanic Theatre, New Jersey Center for
Perfroming Arts and NPN. REPRESENTA! brings together the vision of
writer/performer Paul S. Flores and Cuban rapper Julio Cardenas
developed and directed by Danny Hoch in a fiercely incisive commentary
on terrorism, immigration, Cuba, U.S. foreign policy, Bay Area lefty
culture, New York after 9/11 and pan-Latino identity. Setting itself
apart from other spoken-word performance, REPRESENTA! is bilingual
theatre which combines spoken-word poetry with character portrayals
that are simultaneously hilariously entertaining and provocative. A
diverse and funny show with excellent supertitle translation for
non-Spanish speakers who also want to learn more about contemporary
Cuban culture. San Francisco hip-hop spoken word poet, Flores, travels
to Cuba in 1996 looking for revolutionary solidarity at the Cuban
Hip-Hop Festival. He finds that Hip-Hop in communist Cuba is thriving
while the economy is in a chokehold. When the SF poet meets one
particular Cuban rapper, Cardenas, who is looking for the "come up",
more access, more attention, more validation and accolades for his
art, two revolutions collide: Cuba and Hip-Hop. While the main
characters try to reconcile this paradoxical relationship over a ten
year period, one's desire for a future in Hip-Hop is directly
juxtaposed with the other's desire for a future for the Revolution.

Performance at Friendly Hills

2008-12-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

This November, Teatro del Pueblo worked with Friendly Hills Middle School. Resident Artist Liv Roque worked with eighth graders to enhance their understanding of curriculum through theatre. Activities were funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board and Friendly Hills Middle School.

Vision-es

2008-11-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon!

Vision-es New Works Series
Nov 20-21, 2008, 7pm
At The Lowry Lab, 350 St. Peter St, St. Paul, 55102

Vision-es our work-in-progress series gives new plays further development through public staged readings and studio work between playwrights, dramaturges, actors and directors. Here audiences help playwrights mold their work through constructive dialogue.

Powerful Plays, Strong Female Artists

New this year we introduce all new work from Jerome Fellow Rhiana Yazzie and Many Voices Resident and spoken word artist Lorena Duarte

November 20th at 7pm
The Red Queen by Lorena Duarte, Directed by Brian Columbus

An episodic play made up of a collection of stories centered on the experiences of women, expressing the tenderness, the ardor, the life-and-death dance that women - and particularly immigrant women - must do.

Performed by Katrina Hawley, Marie Williams and Katherine Kupiecki

November 21st at 7pm
Las Madres de La Plaza de Mayo by Rhiana Yazzie, Directed by Suzy Messerole
A fresh new look at the courage among Las Madres and the struggles of their plight, bringing to light both the deep hope to reunite family ties and the complications these discoveries can create.

Performed by Nora Montanez and Lara Trujillo

Tickets: ONLY $6 EACH!!! Reservations highly suggested for both one-night only events: 651-225-8106 or tickets@teatrodelpueblo.org

See both shows for only $10!!! Make reservations for both presentations on November 20th and 21st, and pay only $10 per person to see both events! (Subject to availability; limited seating - reservations highly suggested!)

Info: 651-224-8806 or info@teatrodelpueblo.org

Vote for Pedro at the Fringe

2008-07-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

Teatro del Pueblo, as part of its SEVENTEENTH SEASON, proudly presents...

Vote for Pedro
by Dominic Orlando

August 1-9 , 2008
At Intermedia Arts

Loosely inspired by the hit movie, Napoleon Dynamite, this script follows a young Latino high schooler who wants to be elected class president and does a documentary of his Latino history to give the students a glimpse into his heritage.

Performances:
Aug 1-9, 2008
Fri, Aug 1 at 5:30pm
Mon, Aug 4 at 10pm
Thu, Aug 7 at 7pm
Fri, Aug 8 at 4pm
Sat, Aug 9 at 8:30pm

Part of the 2008 Minnesota Fringe Festival, July 31-Aug 10, 2008!!!

Our Fringe Page

Location: At Intermedia Arts , 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 55408

Tickets: 651-209-6799 or uptowntix.com

Info: 651-224-8806 or email info@teatrodelpueblo.org

Teatro del Pueblo's Website

AIDS Telenovela

2008-06-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

That's a wrap! Teatro del Pueblo, along with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) and the Minnesota Department of Health, has just finished a Telenovela called "La Vida no es Justa". Teatro del Pueblo Artistic Director Alberto Justiniano directed a group of Latino actors in this highly passionate, yet informative and educational movie. Watch for it on TPT this fall.

Vote for Pedro at The Fringe

2008-06-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Teatro del Pueblo Presents...

Vote for Pedro

Part of the 2008 Minnesota Fringe Festival

St. Paul, MN - June 5, 2008 - Loosely inspired by the hit movie, Napoleon Dynamite, this script follows a young Latino high schooler who wants to be elected class president and does a documentary of his Latino history to give the students a glimpse into his heritage.

Written by former Jerome Fellow and McKnight Advancement Grant winner Dominic Orlando, this piece was commissioned especially by and for Teatro del Pueblo, and will tour in the Spring of 2009 after this very special short engagement to the public at the 2008 Minnesota Fringe Festival!

www.fringefestival.org

At Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 55408

Fri, Aug 1 @ 5:30pm
Mon, Aug 4 @ 10pm
Thu, Aug 7 @ 7pm
Fri, Aug 8 @ 4pm

Tickets
652-209-6799 or uptowntix.com

Info
Info@teatrodelpueblo.org or www.teatrodelpueblo.org

Media Contact
Alberto Justiniano, 651-224-8806
Sat, Aug 9 @ 8:30pm

Teatro del Pueblo is On the Move!

2008-06-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

We are currently booking our touring plays and residencies. Call us now to book a performance, residency or workshop at your school, college, or organization:

College and High School Tours

Help Wanted
by Virginia McFerran

Three actors play multiple roles in this satire
about immigration and workers rights.

Echoes from the New World
By Ric Oquita

A revisionist history of Latin America from
the Woman’s point of view

For Mi Chichi
By Tere Martinez

A young Dominican woman struggles to learn
English and keep her identity in this
heartwarming story

Elementary School Tours

Manzi
By José Cruz González

The childhood of civil rights leader César
Chávez, as seen through the eyes of his
older sister Rita.

The Great Cheese Adventures
of Mexico

A puppet show about cooking, camarederie
and cross-cultural understanding

Residencies and Workshops

Teatro del Pueblo provides custom residencies
based on schools’ needs. We work closesly
with schools to create curriculum based
residencies that incorporate theatre techniques

The End of the Curve

2008-06-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

At the end of May, Teatro closed a very successful run of "Real Women
Have Curves." We got great feedback from both the press and audience
members, and even href="http://www.citypages.com/2008-05-28/calendar/real-women-have-curves/">the
A-List onCitypages.

We want to thank all of our artists, tech personnel, designers and audiences for making this show such a successful run. Gracias!

Grant Land

2008-06-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

It's a time for celebrations! Graudtion and wedding season are upon us. Teatro is celebrating too! It's that crucial time of year the June fiscal turn over! Which means lots of foundations are giving out grants.

We were fortunate enough this year to have recieved a grant from the Target Foundation, COMPAS school arts fund, and the COMPAS global artists.

While these large donations from foundations, corporations, and businesses are important.

For most of us the government stimulus check has come in the mail. You are already a integral part of the Teatro family, and we hope that you would consider donating part or all of it to Teatro del Pueblo. You may have plans for the check already but donating even a small amount helps a great deal. For many organizations fundraising at this time of the year slows to a crawl, but you can help us combat this trend. We would greatly appreciate any and all donations of money, time and support.

So we are offering up a toast "Good luck Teatro keep on truckin'"

Star Tribune declares Teatro "Ahead of the Curve"

2008-05-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Rohan Preston, theatre critic at The Star Tribune, writes: "In 'Curves' you can see the buds of a lot of talent. The actors, including Delta Giordano and Nora Montanez, form a pretty cohesive company". Click here for Preston's full profile of Teatro del Pueblo and our latest production of "Real Women Have Curves."

For information about times and tickets, visit our website.

Review in TC Daily Planet

2008-05-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Holder, of TC Daily Planet, writes of Teatro del Pueblo's production of Real Women Have Curves: "The characters are likable, each actress perfectly chosen for her role, and we root for them to succeed."

Read Jennifer Holder's review here.

Real Women Have Curves runs through May 29. For more info go to teatro's website.

2008-05-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Teatro fans!!!

We've got a spot on MPR listen tonight at 5:35 on MPR for the slot and again tomorrow morning at 11:35 am.

Remember opening night is tonight we look forward to seeing you there!

Write Up in the Rake

2008-05-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Cristina Cordova gives us a shout-out in The Rake

Interview with Stephanie Acosta and Laura Garcia

2008-05-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Acosta and Laura Garcia, director and actress of "Real Women Have Curves" were interviewed on KFAI yesterday. You can stream their conversation here.

Photos from Real Women Have Curves

2008-05-09T00:36:00.000-07:00

Real Women Have Curves runs May 9-29 at the Wellstone Center. More info at www.teatrodelpueblo.org

Pictured below are Nora Montanez, Yolanda Cotterall, Laura Garcia, Delta Giordano, and Liv Roque.

Photos by Hector Roberts

At Work on the Set of Real Women

2008-05-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

Team Teatro has been hard at work on the set for "Real Women Have Curves". Set Designer Tamatha Miller has created a beautiful curtain constructed of rags tied together. Come check it out this friday at the Wellstone Center.

Real Women Have Curves Opens on Friday May 9!

2008-05-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Real Women Have Curves
By Josephina Lopez
Directed By Stephanie Acosta

With: Laura Garcia, Yolanda Cotterall, Liv Roque, Nora Montanez, and Delta Giordano

This Play, a microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience, celebrates real women's bodies, the power of women, and the incredible bond that happens when women work together.

All performances are at the Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St E, Saint Paul, MN 55107

The following are the times of the performance:

May 9: 7:30 pm
May 10: 7:30 pm
May 11: 2pm & 7pm
May 15: 7:30 pm
May 16: No Evening Performance
May 17: 7:30 pm
May 18: 7pm only
May 23: 7:30 pm
May 24: 7:30 pm (ASL)
May 25: 2pm and 7pm
May 29: 7:30 pm

More info on our website

Final Performance at Cherokee Heights

2008-05-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Salsa and Merengue

2008-04-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

This Spring, Teatro del Pueblo partnered with Cherokee Elementary School to do an after school residency about the Latin Dances Salsa and Merengue. Students from grades 1-6 learned dances by local dance teacher Jae Phillips which they will perform on Friday at Cherokee.

From the Archives:

2008-04-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Another history lesson.

After digging through the mounds of materials, scripts, photos and
plays Teatro has amassed over the years, this month we chose to
highlight our 1993 production of Visits with my MGM (My Grandmother
Marta).

The cast list included, Quimby Lomardozzi, Marlene Cooper, Chrys
Carroll, Alfredo Chicana, Jose Alfredo Panelli, and Elena Giannetti.
It was directed by Lester Purry and the stage manager was our very own
Robin Gillette, current chair(wo)man of Teatro's board. The play ran
April 30th – May 14, it was performed at the Jerome Hill theatre at
the First Trust building in St. Paul.

Using flashbacks villareal transports the granddaughter back to the
family's roots in mexico and follows her grandmother across the border
to Texas. As the generations Americanize, it's left to the
grandmother to become the link to their rich Mexican past.

On May 10th the play was reviewed by Peter Vaughn at the Star Tribune.
"A capable cast is led by Quimby Lombardozzi's clear and confident
performance as Marta feliz. Strong support is given by Jose Alfredo
Panelli, who seems to best understand the grandiose style needed to
ring this story to its full potential."

After School Fun

2008-04-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Students from Highwood Hills Elementary work with Teaching Artist Liv Roque on their play.

"Manzi" at Parkview Elementary

2008-04-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

Or, The Adventures of a Young Cesar Chavez. Touring to Elementary schools. With Joy Chavarrio, Derek Miller, and John Stillwell

we're on youtube

2008-04-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

click here to see a clip of "Echoes from the New World"

Teatro takes a moment to pause and relfect on its history

2008-04-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Teatro del Pueblo has finally reached our sweet sixteen but does that mean we should forget all the great times gone by? Of course not!
Teatro del Pueblo’s first spring began with Bodega, a critically acclaimed play about a Latino family strugging to survive in their neighborhood even in the middle of turbulent events. The play performed at Humboldt, and was well received.
10 years ago Teatro was gearing up for a production called “Home is Where the Start Is.”. This play used Theatre of the Oppressed as a way for students, teachers and families to deal with bullying and violence in the classroom. by using Theatre of the Oppressed and interactive techniques this show engaged students in a fun way to learn about respect and diversity.
Local director Nic Carter and Teatro teamed up for this important production. The show traveled between riverview, Cherokee, Roosevelt Elementaries, as well as St. Matthew’s Parochial school during the month of April.

Stay tuned for more fun facts about Teatro’s history!

luego prontamente.....

Real Women Have Curves
Directed by: Stephanie Acosta
May 9-29, 2008
at the Wellstone Memorial Center

tickets & info 651.224.8806
www.teatrodelpueblo.org

On the Road

2008-03-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

Today we finished up our March Women's History Month "Echoes from the New World" Tour. We've been to Jamestown in South Dakota, Bemidji State University, University of Minnesota Morris, and finally OshKosh, Wisconsin, for a teacher's conference sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Continuing Education Department, where Alberto Justiniano also led a workshop on political theatre techniques. It's been a great month. Pictured above below are Indira Addington and Liv Roque.

The Great Cheese Adventures of Mexico

2008-03-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from "The Great Cheese Adventures of Mexico," a puppet show about cooking, friendship, and cooperation. Charlie the Inventor travels to Mexico and learns Spanish and the wonders of his new friend Raul's Super Duper Secret Cheese Recipe. Together the two mice discover that working together, they can defeat the Cat and win The National Mexican Cooking Contest. In English with Some spanish. Pictured below are puppeteers Eric Brenneman and Sylvia Pontaza.

We're off to Crookston

2008-03-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Teatro del Pueblo is performing "Echoes from the New World" at the University of MN, Crookston as part of the Women's History Month Celebration. Here's a writeup at the Crookston Times.

Series C

2008-02-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

Carlos Satizabal, Patricia Areza, and the other members of the Columbian Group "Rapsoda", arrived in Minnesota yesterday in preparation for their performances this weekend at The Political Theatre Festival. These innovative artists have built their artististic careers creating art that is engaging, subversive, and challenging. We welcome them. Come see their performances this Friday and Saturday at Intermedia Arts: 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis. For Reservations, call 612-871-4444.

Review in TCDaily Planet

2008-02-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Holder describes Series B as "provocative", and attests the audience had a "lively discussion on the overarching theme of personal identity." Read the review here.

A Lecture, a Symposium, and a Forum

2008-02-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with Teatro del Pueblo's Political Theatre Festival, The Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies at the University of Minnesota is sponsoring:

The State of Iberoamerican Studies Series: Human Rights and Theater,
The Iberoamerican African Diaspora,
The 7th Political Theater Festival

This community outreach, interdepartmental, intercollegiate, international symposium and theater festival offers a series of lectures around theater, performance, literature and social discourse. The group of scholars attending will also incorporate into their lectures and discussions topics on Human Rights, immigration, discrimination, violence, poverty, displacement, political theater, and women. Lectures and discussions will be conducted in Spanish and in English.

Thursday, February 28, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at St. John's University Alumni Lounge
Lecture: Patricia Ariza speaks on "Women in Times of War: Social Justice Through Artistic Expression".

Sponsored by Center for Women, Spanish Club, and The Hispanic Studies Department Free admission and open to the public.

Friday, February 29, 9:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies. Folwell 116

The State of Iberoamerican Studies Series Symposium. Free admission and open to the public.

Sunday, March 2, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Intermedia Arts
TEATRO DEL PUEBLO Forum: Carlos Satizábal, Carlos Vargas, and Luis A. Ramos-Garcia

More Publicity

2008-02-25T16:31:00.000-08:00

An article on the Political Theatre Festival from Vida y Sabor.

Out of Cordoba

2008-02-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

The last performance of "Out of Cordoba" by Hector Roberts, directed by Pedro Bayon, with Ann Gonzales, Alberto Panelli, and Derek Miller is on Thursday at 8pm.

Photos by Hector Roberts

For Mi ChiChi

2008-02-25T06:48:00.000-08:00

"For Mi ChiChi", by Tere Martinez, directed by Sylvia Pontaza and starring Vibhuti Arya, plays next Thursday, 8pm, at Intermedia Arts, as part of the last weekend of The Political Theatre Festival

Photos by Hector Roberts

Variations on Mixed Generations

2008-02-25T06:29:00.000-08:00

"Variations on Mixed Generations" by Eric Silva Brenneman, directed by David Lind, with Liv Roque, Geoffrey Flores, and Allison True, plays for the last time next Sunday at 2:00pm at Intermedia Arts as part of the final weekend of Political Theatre Festival.

Photos by Hector Roberts

Hurricane in a Glass

2008-02-25T03:19:00.000-08:00

"Hurricane in a Glass" by Kimberly del Busto, directed by Shannon Harman, with Yolanda Cotterall, Liv ROque, Heidi Berg, and Ann Gonzales" performs next on Sunday at 2pm at Intermedia Arts.

Photos by Hector Roberts

The Great All-Dominican Championship Playoff Game

2008-02-25T03:10:00.000-08:00

"The Great All-Dominican" Championship Playoff Game", by Robin Rice Lichtig, directed by Steve Moulds, with Geoffrey Flores, Ernest Briggs, and Corey Walton, performing next Sunday, 2pm, at Intermedia Arts.

Photos by Hector Roberts

American Latino

2008-02-25T03:01:00.000-08:00

The last chance to see "American Latino" by Dominic Orlando, directed by Christina Akers, with Yolanda Cotteral, Vibhuti Arya, Rita Medina, Eric Silva Brenneman, and Indira Addington is this Thursday at 8pm at Intermedia Arts.

Photos by Hector Roberts

Mucho Latino

2008-02-25T02:40:00.000-08:00

By Dominic Orlando, directed by Brian Balcom, with Sherwin Ressureccion, Liana Simonds, and John Stillwell. Last night to see Mucho Latino is 2:00 on Sunday.

Photos by Hector Roberts

Target Night

2008-02-20T20:55:00.001-08:00

Tonight we had a special Politcal Theatre Festival Performance for Target Corporation's Hispanic Business Council and La Escualita, an after school program for Latino Youth. Preceding the performances of two plays by Dominic Orlando, a delicious repast was prepared for theatre goers by Manny's Tortas.

Matinee

2008-02-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

The actors were up bright and early this morning for our Political Theatre Festival Matinee. Students from Multicultural Indigenous Academy, Hastings High School, and Project Success watched "Variations on Mixed Generations" by Eric Silva Brenneman and "American Latino" by Dominic Orlando. These bright young people had some great observations and comments during the discussion afterwards.

Political Theatre Festival Opening

2008-02-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

The Political Theatre Festival opened last night, following the opening reception for Santiago Zarzosa. Here are some pictures from the lobby at Intermedia Arts.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

Remember tonight is two for one date night at the Political Theatre Festival. So bring your date, and come on over to Intermedia Arts. Reservations: 612-871-4444.

Here's some more buzz about the shows:

The Rake: Cristina Corova says the best way to spend V-Day is exploring Latin American social political issues.

City Pages: We made the A-List

Buzz

2008-02-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

The Political Theatre Festival is here! We've gotten some great press already. Here are some preview articles:

MinnPost: Lorena Duarte interviews Artistic Director Alberto Justiniano

TC Daily Planet: "Festival brings political theater with a Latino focus to Minneapolis"

La Voz: A Preview Article about the Festival, in Spanish

Santiago Zarzosa

2008-02-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the images from the Sandy Agustin Gallery, at Intermedia Arts, where Santiago Zarzosa's artwork is being displayed in collaboration with the Political Theatre Festival. The opening reception for the Gallery is February 14 from 6-8pm, so come for the party, and stay for the show. Intermedia Arts is located at 2822 Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis. More Info at 612-871-4444

Love Rox

2008-02-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Rita Medina, Yolanda Cotteral, and Indira Addington performed an exerpt from "American Latino" at LOVE ROX, a benefit cabaret for Intermedia Arts. The full version of the play, by Dominic Orlando and directed by Christina Akers, opens on February 14 at the Political Theatre Festival .

Rehearsal for "Out of Cordoba"

2008-02-02T19:16:00.000-08:00

The Political Theatre Festival is drawing near. Here are actors Derek Miller, Ann Gonzales, and Alberto Panelli along with director Pedro Bayon working on a scene from "Out of Cordoba" by Hector Roberts.

Echoes from the New World at St. Thomas

2008-02-02T19:10:00.001-08:00

On Friday we performed "Echoes from the New World" at St. Thomas University. We had a great show, which was followed by an engaging discussion. Pictured below are Liv Roque and Indira Addington.

Political Theatre Festival

2008-01-17T09:13:00.001-08:00

We are very excited about our 7th Annual Political Theatre Festival coming in February at Intermedia Arts. For more information, visit www.teatrodelpueblo.org.
For Tickets, call 612-871-4444

Here are some photos from rehearsal. This is the first rehearsal for The Great All-Dominican Championship Playoff Game:

Our new puppets

2008-01-14T11:47:00.001-08:00

The Amigo Award

2007-12-21T15:13:00.001-08:00

We at Teatro del Pueblo are very proud to have received "The Amigo Award" from El Fondo de Nuestra Communidad. Board Member Juan Lopez graciously accepted the award on December 8, 2007 at an awards ceremony held at the Walker Arts Center.

Cherokee Residency

2007-12-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

We just finished up our residency at Cherokee to great success. Working with Folk tales, the second graders strengthened their literacy skills by creating theatre. We even performed the plays in the television studio, so that they now can be broadcast through the in-school television network.