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Final Play May Be the Last for Breath of Fire Latina Theater
Now is the time to help our own if we are to survive
By
Lisa Zion, Contributing Writer
Published on LatinoLA:
November 21, 2009
I drove into Orange County and took the exit that leads me straight through downtown Santa Ana. I saw mi gente pushing baby strollers, waiting for a bus, ordering food at Mexican restaurants. I drove past the bookstore and the bridal shops and found a parking spot right on the corner of Broadway & 5th Streets. I climbed the stairs to the second floor and reached my destination, the Breath of Fire Latina theater.
I've been here before to review plays but this time it is different. I was invited by the Artistic Director, Sara Guerrero, to audition for the latest play, The MEDEA COMPLEX. I read the original script written by playwright, Patricia Crespin, and I was so excited. I had not read anything that good in such a long time. The MEDEA COMPLEX is a loose adaptation of Euripides' Medea, with a Latina twist.
The audition went very well and I was offered the part of the journalist, Gertrude Hernandez. I am humbled to work with fellow actors, Carolina Lara as Medea, Juan Carillo as Jason, Lucy Gonzalez-Iborik as Tita and Richard Ordiano as the Guitarrista. We began rehearsals September 24th and the show opened October 30. The show will run through November 21.
I was very excited to work with Director, Sara Guerrero, who with fellow Director, Elsa Martinez Phillips had just been named as the top Directors according to the OC Weekly Best of OC for 2009.
It was no surprise to me. Their mission statement is "to support the work and enrich the lives of Latinas in the visual and performing arts". Indeed they have brought together writers, artists, dancers, directors, and volunteers. They have produced one-woman shows, new works and experimental plays with writers, Josefina Lopez, Monica Palacios, playwrights, Kimberly del Busto and now Patricia Crespin.
It takes forward thinking, talent and ambition to produce these new works. When I spoke to Ms. Guerrero she told me that this play was the sixth of this season. Wow, that's a lot of work. It takes hard work and dedication and a good team which includes volunteers to make it happen.
The theater was founded in 2003 and is going through some tough times right now. They are a non-profit organization and want to let the community know that they will be holding their 3rd annual fundraiser on December 5.
I know that when I think of theater, Latino theater is exciting. We use our words, our music, our people. It is exciting to see Latinos at the helm. So to Sara and Elsa, Karyn, Cory, Angela, Richard and Ernie, I say be proud of all you have accomplished thus far. I am so impressed with each and everyone of you. I know that our community will come together and keep Breath of Fire Latina theater alive.
It must because there are young people out there who need you there to shine the light on the possibilities of what can be. Si se puede!
Breath of Fire Latina Theater
310 W. 5th Street, second floor
Santa Ana, CA
Reservations: (714) 600-0129
Price: $15
Senior/Student with ID: $10
The MEDEA COMPLEX closes Saturday, November 21 at 8 PM
If you go, tell them Gertrude sent you!
http://www.breathoffire.org/
About
Lisa Zion, Contributing Writer :
Actor/Writer
Author's website
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Our Amigos Speak Their Minds
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Comentarios (y chismes) from our Amigos y Amigas...
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thank you Lisa, for this article. I couldn't be more proud of Sara and Elsa and the cast and crew of THE MEDEA COMPLEX. They worked hard and gave thier audience and me a beautiful, powerful production of my play. This theatre does nothing but good things for the Latino community and it's raza. It would be a sad day if they had to go dark. Please support Breath of Fire Theatre and keep our raza's voice strong! And thank you Monica for your kind words on my script. It means a lot coming from you. |
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Excellent comments Lisa about a very talented and committed group. The community needs the Breath of Fire Theatre to thrive and continue. Keep the faith Sara and the gang! Please support the fundraiser on December 5th. |
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Lisa, congratulations on your participation in this incredible play. I read the script--very powerful. Thanks for mentioning my name and letting everyone know the importance of Latina theater and why we must do everything we can to keep Breath of Fire Theater alive and fierce. |
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