Friday, November 18, 2011

'I Am...We Are Muevete'

By Ismael Nuñez

After several years on hiatus, Muevete is back.
Earlier this month, the Muevete youth conference was held in the South Bronx. Activists, student organizations, and community based organizations bonded at the BronxWorks Cornerstone Betances Community Center on St. Ann’s Avenue for the 13th annual Muevete conference.
Muevete is the Spanish word for “move yourself,” and the young and older people in the conference were definitely doing moving. They were moving in the memory of one of their own who died too soon. They were moving to help make the quality of lives of today's young people better.

The previous Muevete conferences were hosted at bigger named venues such as Columbia University, Hunter College, and City College. But they stopped.
Lissette Nieves said she believed it was important to reactivate the youth conference.
She spoke about her old Muevete friend Daniel Mejia who died earlier this year at the age of 32 from complications of pancreatitis. She met Mejia when he was a high school senior who wanted to help Latino youth with education, community and civil rights issues. After his days at Muevete, he went on to work for several nonprofit groups and became an advocate for health and gay rights issues.
His death helped bring new life to Muevete and the need for it.
"The need for Muevete is there and needed," Nieves said.
Right after Mejia's death, Nieves and others realized that the conference had to resurface to move a new youth generation of movers.

What better place than in the South Bronx?
Ben Ramos, a Bronx activist said, "A lot of the issues affecting Latino youth back in the 1990’s when this organization was created are still in effect. We wanted young people to know and learn that there are organizations, history, that is always available for them, and where they can always go for help when needed."
At the conference, young people were exposed to several community based organizations such as El Puente Academy located in Brooklyn and the Justice Committee of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights. Both groups hosted workshops.
Ramos said: “It’s the perfect location for the Latino youth to learn/organize/ and be united! Right here in the boogie down Bronx."
Dance choreographer Anthony “Omen” Barner who works at the center and is the creator of the dance group “Swagged Out Kids,” said, “We promote positivity and the growth of the participants of this center to engage in their minds and spirit."
Two other main highlights included the serving of basic Latino soul food: rice with beans, chicken, and salad; and cultural performancesbomba, plena, hip-hop dancing, and salsa and mambo classes. There were even free dance classes for everyone. I must admit I got into the dance groove, dancing gracefully with a good friend Denise from the YAI chapter in the Bronx.
As we danced, Denise said, “Enjoy, Learn, Educate, Organize, Friendship."
It was the right place at the right time.
I am today and tomorrow moving forward. Muevete.

Ismael Nuñez is a freelance writer based in East Harlem. He is a contributing writer to PRSUN.

(Photos by Ismael Nuñez)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

El musical sobre el pelotero Roberto Clemente obtiene un jonrón

Teatro

Por Antonio Bones





En su empeño por llevar al público lo más selecto de su repertorio, la Sociedad Educativa de las Artes (SEA por sus siglas en inglés), continúa presentando el éxitoso musical “DC-7: La historia de Roberto Clemente” en su sala teatral, ubicada en el centro cultural Clemente Soto Vélez del bajo Manhattan, Nueva York.
Adicionando el Festival Puertorriqueño Borimix a su temporada 2011-2012, la compañía de histriones emprende una nueva jornada teatral que conforma a un equipo, por igual, selecto de artistas y técnicos. Todos comprometidos a encumbrar la escena local con una historia cargada de valijas, ritmos trepidantes, memorias, y sucesos que plantaron huellas en la historia del continente americano, El Caribe y otras latitudes.
Concebida por el ingenio del teatrero, educador y cineasta puertorriqueño, Luis Caballero, la pieza teatral exalta la unificación familiar, la disciplina atlética, el choque cultural de los inmigrantes, la barrera idiomática, el menosprecio del negror epidérmico, la disparidad racial, el exceso de brutalidad policiaca, el perseguimiento de metas, la incondicionalidad del amor pero, sobre todo, el menester humanitario.
Inmediatamente que ingresamos a la sala teatral se nos revela un campo de béisbol con su zona cuadrangular, que servirá de soporte a los juegos de pelota base, a las equilibradas coreografías y a las situaciones que durante dos horas mantienen a la audiencia en expectación. Pienso que es un perspicaz elemento que establece el objetivo honroso de rememoración. Al fondo una enorme pantalla que sirve de mediadora entre el pasado y el presente, entre lo infausto de la vida y lo afortunado de la misma. Una pantalla que se convierte en fiel testigo de la podredumbre y la lucha que libramos en este “valle de lágrimas”.
Durante el velatorio del pelotero carolinense, Vera Clemente (su viuda), Matino (el hermano y Ramiro Martínez (camarada de la familia), departen. La temporalidad los arrastra junto a los espectadores hacia el ayer que habitó la niñez y adolescencia del astro. Ajadas fotografías y recortes de publicaciones recorren el blanquecino fondo escénico. Es allí en donde nos percatamos de las hazañas que el pelotero realizó y que quedaron grabadas en los anales deportivos de la isla de Puerto Rico.
Modesto Lacén encarnó el personaje de Roberto Clemente con marcada sobriedad. Su personaje se representó con elevación histriónica y no recayó en el vicio habitual de la imitación. La mesurada dicción y movimientos enérgicos lo catapultaron a la sublimidad de los aplausos. Arrojo y buena onda lo acompañaron durante el trayecto escénico y puedo testificar que anotó una carrera con todas las de la ley.
Josean Ortiz como el hermano mayor de Clemente, Matino, nos acercó a la sobreprotección que, a veces, es necesaria para orientar el destino de los seres amados. La presencia escénica del actor es vigorosa y su recia voz mantiene una narración fluída. Una de las escenas que más nos impactó fue cuando su personaje y el de Lacén se confundieron en una consagración hasta sacra. La simbología de la escultura renacentista “La Pietá” de Michelangelo Buonarroti, se recreó en el diamante; mientras simultáneamente, muere el sueño de los afroamericanos, Martin Luther King, Jr. Morir es entregar con sacrificio su preciado legado a las generaciones. Lacen muestra un estilizado cuerpo de ébano que es la idealización de la belleza y la juventud del mártir, características propias de “La Pietá”. Ambos actores ofrecieron un contundente batazo interpretativo.


Por su parte, la actriz y cantora Lorraine Vélez en su encarnación de Vera Clemente, nos ofreció una tesitura sin parámetros. La artista sabe utilizar con gracilidad y potestad sus atributos vocales. Nos envuelve, nos arrebata, nos consume y eso nos dejó sedientos de su elixir. ¡Otra carrera anotada!
El productor de la obra teatral, Manuel Morán, también nos sedujo con su capacidad vocal y en las repetidas incursiones que tuvo durante la acción nos obligó a creer en las interpretaciones que de Ramiro Martínez y Don Oscar realizó.
Deseo rescatar las participaciones de María del Mar González, Anthony Cotto y Shawn Beck-Gifford. González impacta con sus rollizas piernas y marcados pasos coreográficos sobre el cuadrangular dispuesto sobre el plano central del escenario. Su elegancia y belleza exótica añaden femeneidad y lozanía a la escena. Cotto hace buena utilización de su maestría en Bellas Artes y Actuación de la Universidad Pace, además se adueñó de la coreografía poseyendo indiscutible dominio. Resulta un banquete visual experimentar diversos desdoblamientos con potestad: José, judador de pelota, oficial del órden público y dependiente en una tienda por departamentos. Le auguro una digna carrera actoral a Cotto. Beck-Gifford se lució en el personaje del policía; recreó el abuso de poder con eficacia. De otro lado, Johanna Rodríguez convence a la audiencia en la utilización de lenguajes que aborda durante el desarrollo de la obra. Es buena actriz, cantante y no baila mal. ¡Este equipo se anota otra carrera! Xiomara Rodríguez y Fidel Vicioso también añadieron ingredientes precisos para el realce de la obra. Rodríguez pudo conmovernos con una maternal naturaleza que no pudo reprimir el lagrimeo de los espectadores.
Mención aparte, amerita la banda que tiene a su cargo la díficil tarea de hilvanar melodías a las diversas escenas que se suceden. Once melodías en total fueron magistralmente interpretadas por los maestros: Harold Gutiérrez, Larry Nissman, Jaime Mancera, Juan Gerena y la corista Ana Campos. “Los jugadores” y “La maleta” son números musicales que levantan el ánimo a cualquier alicaído. La acertada coreografía de Luis Salgado, los recursos luminotécnicos por Morán y Shuhei Sei, vestuario a cargo de Harry Nadal y la asistencia de dirección en la persona de Yaremis Félix crearon una burbuja encantada en donde el público se transportó al pasado. Finalmente, felicito al director Caballero por una arrolladora, armónica y acertada dirección teatral. El éxito de la producción se debe a la persistencia y ardua tarea con la que movilizó cada aspecto del espectáculo. DC-7 es un ejemplo de dignidad y constancia a la búsqueda de un sueño. Es una lección que se otorga al que ambiciona fortuna en suelo ajeno. Es testimonio de los encontronazos vivenciales y del estoicismo que todo ser humano debe emplear. Es una producción que sobrepasa los límites de la teatralidad y el buen gusto. ¡DC-7: La historia de Roberto Clemente metió un jonrón!
El astro puertorriqueño, Roberto Clemente, fungió como jardinero derecho en el equipo de béisbol Piratas de Pittsburg. Durante la década de los años 60´s el pelotero sumó a su carrera 3,000 bateos y fue receptor de doce premios Guante de oro -que se otorgan a los jardineros más destacados dentro de las Grandes Ligas-. En el año 1966 se le honró con el premio de Jugador más valioso y en el 1971 con el galardón MVP de la Serie Mundial. Su ascenso al Salón de la Fama fue realizado postrimero a su deceso en el 1972. El atleta pereció a causa de un accidente aéreo que realizaba para socorrer a las víctimas de un terremoto en la República de Nicaragua.
La pieza se mantendrá en cartelera hasta el día 4 de diciembre del 2011 en el Teatro SEA, sito en el 107 de la calle Suffolk en el este del bajo Manhattan. Para reservar e informarse sobre cómo llegar a la sala teatral puede ingresar a la página www.teatrosea.org o llamando al 212-529-1545.


Antonio Bones es un periodista independiente y miembro de la comunidad PRSUN.

(foto de Modesto Lacén como Roberto Clemente por Abey Charron/cortesía de Teatro Sea)
(foto de la producción/cortesía de Teatro Sea)

Monday, November 07, 2011

'The Roberto Clemente Story' musical to premiere in NYC

Featured Puerto Rican Heritage Month event Looking forward to seeing The Roberto Clemente Story musical this Saturday. Here is the press release:
The Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA), during its 6th Annual BORIMIX: Puerto Rico Fest, is proud to present the World Premiere of DC-7, The Roberto Clemente Story, a musical about the life and legacy of the Baseball Hall of Famer and humanitarian. This limited run of 12 performances at Teatro SEA (107 Suffolk Street, between Rivington and Delancey Streets) begins November 11 (Opening Gala Performance) and ends December 4. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 6pm. Clemente, right-fielder for the Pittsburg Pirates (1955-1972), was one of the most beloved figures in the history of the MLB. He was the first Latino to win a World Series as a rookie (1960.) He also won the MVP Award (1966) and the World Series MVP Award (1971.) He finished his career with over 3,000 hits and 12 Golden Glove Awards. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame following his untimely death on December 31st, 1972 from a plane crash while traveling to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. In DC-7, a bilingual musical with English and Spanish book and lyrics, three of the most influential characters in Clemente’s life meet at his funeral to share their memories. Matino (Clemente’s brother), Vera (his widow) and Ramiro Martínez (a close friend and journalist), reminisce about their life with Clemente. Their stories transport the audience to Clemente’s early years in Puerto Rico, his time with the Montreal Royals and his 18-year tenure with the Pirates. This musical also dramatically depicts the era of the Civil Rights Movement and how it affected his life as a Black Hispanic. Through all his trials and tribulations, Clemente triumphed becoming a legend on and off the field. This new musical is a dedication to a hero whose extraordinary life continues to inspire and touch lives. This World Premiere production stars Modesto Lacén (Off Broadway’s Celia The Musical and La Barbería) as Clemente, Lorraine Velez (Broadway’s Rent) as Vera, Josean Ortiz as Martino, and Dr. Manuel A. Morán as Ramiro Martínez. Also featured in the cast are Shawn Beck-Gifford, Anthony Coto, María del Mar González, Johanna Rodríguez, Xiomara Rodríguez and Fidel Vicioso. Chroreography and Musical Staging by Luis Salgado (Broadway’s In The Heights, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.) Musical Direction and Arrangements by Harold Gutiérrez. Produced by Dr. Manuel Morán, Artistic Director and Founder of SEA. Dr. Morán comments on the play, “Roberto Clemente has been an inspiration to people of all generations and cultural backgrounds. SEA is thrilled to present this new work that highlights his life and legacy which is still very much alive in communities across Puerto Rico and the nation.” Luis Caballero adds, “As we approach the 40th anniversary of the plane crash that took Clemente’s life, it is time to revisit his story of success, resilience, public service, spirit and sacrifice. This show will inspire us and leave us with much to think about.” For Modesto Lacén, who recently played Clemente on 3,000 (a film about the day when the slugger hit that career record,) recreating the character on stage is a dream come true. “I thank SEA, Luis Cabellero and the Roberto Clemente State for this remarkable opportunity to bring to life one of my all-time heroes. I have wanted to play this role on stage all my life." DC-7 is part of BORIMIX: Puerto Rico Fest 2011, a month-long cultural celebration that highlights all forms of art during Puerto Rican Heritage Month. For more information, go to www.borimix.com. photo of Modesto Lacén as Roberto Clemente (photo by Abey Charron/courtesy of Teatro Sea)

Friday, November 04, 2011

POEMobile: Nuyorican Poets/Founding Voices

Featured community event A White Wing Brushing the Building POEMobile: Nuyorican Poets/Founding Voices TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8th, 2011, 7-8:30 p.m. Nuyorican Poets Café, 236 East 3rd St. btw Aves B & C in Manhattan. Featured poets: Tato Laviera, Jesús Papoleto Meléndez, Lois Elaine Griffith, Louis Reyes Rivera, Sandra María Esteves and special tribute to Jorge Brandon & Piri Thomas. A free-to-the-public event.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Understanding Afro-Puerto Rican and Other Afro-Latin@ Cultures

Community calendar Understanding Afro-Puerto Rican and Other Afro-Latin@ Cultures Winner of the 2011 American Book Award Presenters: Miriam Jiménez Román and Juan Flores Book signing by Editors of The Afro-Latin@ Reader Discussants: Karen-Juanita Carillo and Natasha Gordon-Chipembere Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m. Faculty Dining Room West Building, 8th Floor Hunter College, NYC Events are subject to change. For update information visit us at centropr.hunter.cuny.edu or call (212) 396-6545. Centro Events are free of charge.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Serrano Urges Inclusion of All Puerto Ricans in Status Plebiscite

Politics Says the Serrano Amendment Must Be Included as in the Past Washington, DC – Congressman José E. Serrano has urged the inclusion of all Puerto Rican-born people in a status plebiscite, regardless of where they now reside. This plebiscite condition, known as the Serrano Amendment, has been attached to virtually every consensus status bill since the 1990s. Serrano said “excluding people who left the island for economic or social reasons in the past silences a segment of the Puerto Rican family which deserves to weigh in on a final status arrangement.” “From the time I came to Congress and began to work on the status issue, I have always said that those Puerto Ricans who are now living off the island must be included in any decision on the final permanent status,” said Serrano. “I reached out to the political leaders in Puerto Rico today to remind them that this provision has been part of every consensus bill over the past decade, and has been agreed to by all political parties. “The inclusion of all native-born Puerto Ricans is not about loading the vote for one option or another, but rather about fairness and justice. Many of us left the island not because we wanted to, but rather because our families had to make difficult economic choices. We do not now ask to be part of local political decisions, but this final status question transcends normal political questions and deserves our input as part of the Puerto Rican diaspora. “The political parties in Puerto Rico, which are so divided on so many things, have historically agreed on the Serrano Amendment. I fail to see what has changed in this current situation that prevents the Serrano Amendment from being part of the plan for the plebiscite. Some have mentioned the White House Task Force; to them I say, let Puerto Ricans choose their plan for this plebiscite and not make decisions that exclude anyone from the process. “It is long past time for the Puerto Rican people to say to the federal government with one united voice that it is time for a change. Besides the Serrano Amendment, this is something that all the parties agree on: the current situation cannot continue. Let’s begin the process of changing the status to one of respect and dignity, whatever form that may take. We must unite around the idea that our people, both on and off the island, deserve the right to determine our own future. Whatever their decision is, it deserves to be taken seriously by the federal government. Surely we all agree both on and off the island, that Puerto Rico has been in limbo too long and it’s time for a change. ### source: press release from Serrano's office Editor's note: What do you think? Should Puerto Rican-born people who moved out the island be allowed to participate in a status plebiscite?

Monday, October 03, 2011

'Re-Imaginings'

Community calendar “Re-Imaginings” Photographic Art Exhibit in conjunction with the HOLAfestival Series of Staged Play Readings as official event of the NYC Latin Media & Entertainment Week The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA), the nation’s longest running active arts advocacy organization for Latino actors, is proud to present "Re-imaginings," a photographic art exhibit, in conjunction with the HOLAfestival series of staged play readings. Both the photographic exhibit and the staged play readings feature and showcase the talent of HOLA members and both will take place at the Abrazo Interno Gallery located at the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center (CSV), 107 Suffolk Street (between Rivington and Delancey streets) in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center Inc. is a Puerto Rican/Latino cultural institution whose mission is focused on the cultivation, presentation, and preservation of Puerto Rican and Latino culture. "Re-imaginings" in conjunction with the HOLAfestival is an official event of the NYC Latin Media & Entertainment Week (October 3-9). The opening reception for the photo exhibit and staged play readings will take place on Monday, October 3 at 6 pm. The gallery is open to the public from 3:30-10 pm daily and admission to both the photo exhibit and staged readings is free, although reservations for the staged readings are preferred. For more information, or to RSVP, call HOLA at (212) 253-1015 or go to www.hellohola.org. The HOLAfestival was originally created in 1983 and ran until 1990 as a series of theatrical productions and musical evenings featuring HOLA members. In 2011, HOLA decided to revive the HOLAfestival as a series of staged play readings by HOLA member-playwrights and featuring HOLA members in each cast. The playwrights for the 2011 HOLAfestival, curated by HOLA Associate Director A.B. Lugo (http://about.me/ablugo), include Lina Gallegos, Mel Nieves, Tere Martínez, Anthony Ruiz, A.B. Lugo and Oscar A. Colón. "Re-imaginings" is a photographic exhibit that takes iconic television cast images and "re-imagines" them showing Latino actors from HOLA’s ranks as part of the re-imagined cast. The exhibit’s unifying theme is that of visualizing a world where Latino actors were already more fully integrated into the mainstream entertainment culture, as they have been into the nation’s population. The duplication of iconic cast images for such shows as “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “All in the Family,” and “Sex and the City,” among others, strikes a visual chord of familiarity while also serving to show how seamlessly a Latino actor could be integrated into the various shows' universal themes of the human experience. "Re-imaginings" was conceived by multi-media writer and producer Maria Nieto (http://about.me/MariaFernandaNieto) and is jointly curated by Ms. Nieto along with the exhibit’s photographer Luis Carle (www.LuisCarle.com) and HOLA (www.HelloHola.org). "Re-Imaginings" Photo Exhibit Abrazo Interno Gallery, 107 Suffolk Street, 2nd Floor, NYC On view from 3:30-10 pm Free admission source: HOLA

Friday, September 30, 2011

Enter book giveaway: 'The Rising Moon' by Nilsa Rodriguez

The Reading Corner Nilsa Rodriguez is a member of the PRSUN online network. She is also the author of "The Rising Moon," a young adult paranormal romance novel, published by Black Dove Publishing. Her debut novel was released on Sept 12th. Enter new giveaway to get an autographed copy of Nilsa's book and more. To get a taste, view the book trailer: Book summary: How many lives must you live to realize that love is stronger than time and death? Orphaned at the age of five, Angelia (Lia) Lafosse was left with questions about whom and what she truly was. One thing was clear. Lia was different…some might even say cursed. With the help of her best friend, Ryan Woodruff, she begins to unlock the secrets of her family's past and discover answers that prove more startling than she ever imagined. Not only was she a werewolf, but a reincarnation of the immortal werewolf, a werewolf with immense powers beyond any of her kind. A werewolf that if discovered by the Lobison’s to have returned, can jeopardize both Lia and those she love. Torn between Lyle Ulric, the charming werewolf whose bloodline is as ancient and powerful as her own. And Adam Ambrose, the mysterious and alluring vampire who’s determined not to allow fate or anyone tear their love apart again. Lia has to make a choice… Destiny or Love…Run or Fight…Live or Die About the author: Born and raised in New Jersey, Nilsa Rodriguez now lives in beautiful and sunny Florida along with her husband and son where you can find her writing well into the night on her next novel. Being an author is quite literally a dream come true for a girl who spent every childhood moment escaping to far away lands and wondering into enchanted forests through the many books she’s read growing up and still enjoy to this very day. To enter giveaway, email clarisel(at)puertoricosun.com. Send your name and mailing address. Giveaway winner will get a signed copy with book swag as well as bookmark, postcard, button and stickers. First come first served. To order Nilsa's book, the title has been added to the PRSUN aStore too. The PRSUN aStore features books, music and more that highlight Puerto Rican and Latino writers and artists. Congratulations to Nilsa. Thanks for being part of our network.

Editor's Picks: PRSUN Photo Project/PR Parade '11

For the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, PRSUN organized a team of contributing photographers to take photos at the parade from their perspective. The images are part of a permanent online gallery titled "PRSUN Photo Project: The 2011 National Puerto Rican Day Parade." Participating photographers included Catherine Fonseca, Eileen McNamee, Kevin Tyson, Oscar Rivera, and Ismael Nunez. This gallery is the Editor's Picks from the online exhibit. While I also participated in the online exhibit as a photographer, this gallery does not include any of my images. Here is a selection of some of my favorite images that my photo colleagues took at the NYC parade on June 12. Editor's Picks: www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel/galleries/72157627784719336/ To view the full online PRSUN Photo Project exhibit, which includes images I took at the Puerto Rican parade, visit www.flickr.com/groups/nyprparade/ -- Clarisel Gonzalez/curator