The De Colores Festival of New Works has developed the new works of over 14 Latin American writers in Canada since its inception in 2007. This year, the festival is turning up the volume on Latino voices, fostering some new writers and bringing in long time collaborator Carmen Aguirre, winner of Canada Reads 2012. Carmen joins De Colores with her newest work, The Tina Modotti Project, a play about the famous photographer and revolutionary Tina Modotti. Joining Carmen in this year’s festival are: Mexican born writer-in-exile and poet Ari Belathar with La Danza Del Venado (a multi-disciplinary work about migrants crossing the Sonora desert); Salvadorian actor, drag artist and emerging playwright Jose Arias with his a story about living on the edge in Arrested; and Colombian born writer Alejandro Valbuena with his searing look at immigration policies and surrogacy in a futuristic Canada with Camilla’s Bones.
Alameda Theatre Company produces Canadian theatre with a distinct Latin American perspective. The goal is to develop new work by Canadian Latin American playwrights, creating professional opportunities for these artists and mentor the next generation of Latino artists in Canada. The De Colores Festival of New Works is a playwright’s unit and festival that exclusively features Latin American Canadian writers and exposes Canadian audiences to new theatrical works featuring Latin American actors and directors.
I have attended De Colores in the past. They present works in progress, which have a great deal of potential. These artists present our stories as Latin Americans in a manner that is easily translatable to other audiences, which I believe is important. If you have yet to venture to the festival, don’t miss out.
2012 De Colores Festival of New Works
Wychwood Theatre (Arts Barns), 601 Christie St.
General tickets $15, Students/Seniors $13, Festival Pass $29 (all include HST)
For tickets and info call 416-652-5442 or www.alamedatheatre.com
Thursday October 11, 2012, 8pm
Arrested by Jose Arias – Directed by Bea Pizano
La Danza del Venado by Ari Belathar – Directed by Marilo Nuñez
Friday October 12, 2011, 8pm
Camilla’s Bones by Alejandro Valbuena – Directed by Anita La Selva
The Tina Modotti Project by Carmen Aguirre – Directed by Guillermo Verdecchia