GALA HISPANIC THEATRE 44th Season 2019-2020

 Culture   Thu, June 06, 2019 11:58 AM

Washington, D.C. — Producing Artistic Director and Co-Founder Hugo Medrano proudly announces GALA Hispanic Theatre’s 2019-20 Season.Our 44th season,” states Medrano, “will feature the work of acclaimed writers from Spain and the Americas whose stories span centuries and explore issues that touch us today: the abuse of power, the need for relationships and love, and the discovery of one’s passion. Through their stories, these masterful writers will inspire GALA’s artistic team to create theater that examines our humanity, ignites our curiosity, and questions our values and morality.”

MAIN STAGE SEASON PRODUCTIONS

LA VIDA ES SUEÑO – Life is a Dream (Spain)

By Pedro Calderón de la Barca

Adapted by Nando López

Directed by Hugo Medrano

September 12 - October 13, 2019

In Spanish with English surtitles 

One of the essential works of Spanish Golden Age theater, this timeless play explores free will, fate, and tyranny. Do we choose who we are going to be, or are we simply marionettes in the hands of a greater power? Is what we see real? These universal questions are highlighted in Lopez’s tight new adaptation.

This production is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C., and SPAIN arts & culture.

FUEGO FLAMENCO XV

15th Annual Flamenco Festival

Honorary Producers Joseph and Lynne Horning

November 8 – 17, 2019

FLAMENCO APARICIO DANCE COMPANY

Entresueño

November 8 – 10, 2019       

Edwin Aparicio and Aleksey Kulikov reimagine Aparicio's acclaimed Entresueño, a work that premiered at GALA in 2006. Entresueño explores the frontier of consciousness where memories blur and mix with imagination, and where reality gives way to dreams – the period when imagery is exceedingly vivid and the boundaries of time and space disappear.  Musical direction by Grammy nominated composer and arranger Gonzalo Grau.

RAFAEL PERAL AND MARÍA ADAME  

Raíz de 4

In collaboration with Fundación Conservatorio Flamenco Casa Patas (Madrid)

November 14 – 17, 2019

Raíz de 4 delves into Flamenco’s most primitive roots, those very origins that evoke the convergence of cultures and the folklore of Spain. Some of the purest styles of flamenco--- romances (ballads), martinete, fandangos and soleares---are brought to the forefront in an electrifying performance by two of Spain’s most distinguished artists.

With support from the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC, SPAIN arts & culture, and Fundación Conservatorio Flamenco Casa Patas.

EXQUISTA AGONÍA - Exquisite Agony

Written and directed by Nilo Cruz (Cuba/USA)

February 6 – March 1, 2019

In Spanish with English surtitles

This intimate story explores a middle-aged woman's obsessive quest to find love with a young man who receives the gift of her late husband’s heart.  DC audiences will have the “exquisite” opportunity to see Pulitzer Prize-winner Nilo Cruz direct his own work.

…a magical realism that is not cloying but instead true to his characters.” – The New Yorker

TÍA JULIA Y EL ESCRIBIDOR - Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter

By Mario Vargas Llosa (Peru)

Adapted by Caridad Svich

Directed by José Zayas

April 23 – May 17, 2020

In Spanish with English surtitles

Set in Peru during the 1950s, this funny and tender story of an 18-year-old student who falls for a 32-year-old divorcee is based on the real life experience of Nobel Prize-winner Vargas Llosa. Love is lost, but a new passion is found.

ELLA ES TANGO

In collaboration with the Pan American Symphony Orchestra

June 11 – 28, 2020 

Women take the lead in this musical revue celebrating the role of women in tango. The revered Libertad Lamarque and Tita Merello paved the way for contemporary female voices such as Susana Rinaldi and composer Eladia Blazquez.

FILM, MUSIC, AND PERFORMANCE

ESCENARIO ABIERTO - Open Stage

A Weekend of Performances by DC Theater Artists

July 12 & 13, 2019

TEATRO DE LA LUNA

Nuestra Señora de las Nubes

by Arístides Vargas

Directed by Micky Thomas

July 12, 2019

In Spanish

Two exiles remember, reflect and become the most emblematic figures of a continent named “Exile.”

TEATRO LA BOLSA

Dream of Azul, Remember Me

Written and directed by Karen Morales-Chacana

Based on “Ojos de perro azul” by Gabriel García Márquez

July 13, 2019

In Spanish

Love is explored through the awakening of a woman’s conscience.  Incidents of domestic violence and femicide are relived in dreams and stories in this “post-drama” staging where physical movement becomes the text.

REEL TIME AT GALA

From the Streets to the Screen

Mexico – Bolivia – Brazil

8th Annual Film Festival

November 20 – 24, 2019

A series of new and vibrant films from the indigenous nations of Bolivia, young Mexican and Brazilian directors and producers, and a festival favorite – a classic from Mexico’s Golden Age. Panel discussions with the curator, filmmakers, and film experts will be held after each screening.

Supported in part by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, and presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico, Mexican Cultural Institute, and Cinema Tropical of New York.

WE HAVE IRÉ

Conceived by Paul Flores

Directed by Rosalba Rolón

December 6 – 7, 2019

In this bilingual performance combining spoken word, dance, and live music, Afro Cuban and Cuban-American transnational artists tell their real life stories of finding success in the United States through hard work and ire, the Lucumí condition of being blessed with positive energy. 

GALita - THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES 

QUE LAS HAY…LAS HAY/ BELIEVE IT OR NOT!  

By María Inés Falconi (Argentina)

Directed by Eric Swartz

October 19 - November 2, 2019

Bilingual

A delightful bilingual play for children about tolerance and the magic of friendship by one of Argentina’s leading authors of children’s literature.
Student Matinees: October 21-25 and October 28-November 1, 2019 at 10:30 am (weekdays).

General Public: October 19, October 26, and November 2, 2019 at 3 pm (Saturdays).

FIESTA DE LOS TRES REYES MAGOS Three Kings Day

January 5, 2020 at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm

Don’t miss GALA’s traditional Three Kings celebration, featuring the Magi, live animals, local performers, a walk through the neighborhood, and gifts for every child. Free for the entire family!

SEARCHING FOR MENCHÚ

Written and directed by Cornelia Cody

March 14 – 28, 2020

Bilingual

A young Guatemalan girl travels through the country looking for Rigoberta Menchú, the outspoken defender of indigenous rights who won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Student Matinees: March 16-20 and March 23-27, 2020 at 10:30 am (weekdays).

General Public: March 14, March 21 and March 28, 2020 at 3 pm (Saturdays).

FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

FLAMENCO EN FAMILIA

November 9, 2019

Free interactive demonstrations with castanets, fans, and zapateo for children and the entire family. 

PASO NUEVO YOUTH PROGRAM

Under the direction of artist Guadalupe Campos, GALA’s after-school youth performance program offers training in drama, movement, writing, and technical theater.  Students will perform for the public in the Fall, Spring and Sumer. Open to youth ages 13 to 18 at no charge. Paso Nuevo is the winner of the 2012 National Arts and Humanities Youth

CONTACT:
Dubraska Vale / 202-234-7174 / dubraska@galatheatre.org/
 
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