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WINDY CITY TIMES
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Generic Latina
Developed by: Teatro Luna
by Salem Collo-Julin 2001-03-28
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This article shared 3084 times since Wed Mar 28, 2001
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In a climate where women of color are devalued, where Hispanic girls are the most likely to drop out of school and never return ( according to a recent American Association of University Women study ) , it is disheartening, yet not surprising, that Latina women are often treated as caricatures and stereotypes in the "world" of American theater. It is no wonder that Teatro Luna, Chicago's first all Latina/Hispana theater ensemble, speaks of "experiences of being asked to perform stereotyped images of ourselves that were often one-dimensional and, at times, offensive..." in the program of Generic Latina, a new collection of short works. Teatro Luna developed Generic Latina in response to this lack of meaningful work for Latina artists. The result of this ensemble's collaboration is a thoughtful, often hilarious series of short pieces that strive to capture the diversity of Latina life. Even those familiar with the issues will find new viewpoints here, most notably in a piece titled "A Brief Explanation," based on Coya Paz's writings of Jewish refugees raising families in Peru. This show becomes a default showcase for some incredible talent that may have otherwise faded into the background of "one-dimensional" walk-through roles. The opening piece is an energetic and choreographed deconstruction of labeling, with the cast dancing and silently creating words like "Swede-irican" with signs. The pieces that follow continue the quest to remind us of the vast diversity that lies within Latina culture. Strong performers, notably, Carolina Jimenez as the Generic Latina herself, and Marisabel Suarez in a side-splitting turn as a clueless neighbor, make this an engaging work for Latinas and non Latinas alike. And Tanya Saracho, writer of many of the pieces, deserves more time on stage. Teatro Luna is a group of fierce women that inspire. |
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This article shared 3084 times since Wed Mar 28, 2001
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