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 |